Pride in London's Chief Executive sacked for allegedly using volunteer vouchers to obtain luxury goods

The chief executive of Pride in London, one of the world’s largest Pride celebrations, has been dismissed following allegations that he used thousands of pounds’ worth of vouchers intended for volunteers to make personal purchases.

Christopher Joell-Deshields, who denies any wrongdoing, was suspended from his role last September after concerns about his conduct emerged. He continued to receive his full annual salary of £87,500 during the seven-month suspension, which ended with his departure in March. 

The 55-year-old remains embroiled in an ongoing legal dispute with Pride in London, amid claims that he attempted to obstruct the organisation’s investigation into his conduct.

Volunteer directors of London LGBT Community Pride - the community interest company responsible for parts of the annual event - accused Joell-Deshields of spending £7,000 worth of sponsor-donated vouchers. The vouchers were reportedly intended for raffle prizes and volunteer gifts, but were instead used to buy luxury perfumes and Apple products, according to the directors. 

A whistleblowing disclosure also alleged the existence of a “bullying culture” within Pride in London. Following an independent investigation into these claims, the organisation confirmed it had decided to dismiss Joell-Deshields. He had served as chief executive since 2021. Joell-Deshields appealed the decision, but an independent council upheld the dismissal.

Pride in London - which operates with around 100 year-round volunteers and four paid staff - said that interim chief executive Rebecca Paisis would now oversee the introduction of a new governance structure to ensure the organisation maintains the highest operational standards. This year’s Pride event, scheduled for 4 July, is expected to proceed as normal, according to organisational sources. The event costs roughly £1.3 million per year and is supported by around 1,000 on‑the‑day volunteers. It is largely funded by corporate sponsors, with an additional £125,000 contributed annually by the Mayor of London’s office via the Greater London Authority.

Joell-Deshields’ suspension and subsequent dismissal coincided with a High Court battle. In September 2025, a judge ordered him to relinquish control of Pride in London property, including bank accounts, internal systems, and equipment. The case is expected to conclude in the coming weeks. 

In January 2026, Joell-Deshields appeared in court facing two contempt of court allegations for failing to comply with that earlier order - an act lawyers for Pride in London argued was an attempt to “frustrate” the investigation into his behaviour. Representatives for Joell-Deshields claimed he had not returned a company laptop because it had been purchased for him after his personal device was damaged while working. He admitted a second contempt charge for failing to provide a signed statement confirming the return of all company property. 

Last week, Pride in London’s lawyers told the court that the property in question still had not been returned after seven months, and that Joell-Deshields had failed to file a defence. Deputy High Court Judge Matthew Butt KC subsequently ordered that the court would find in Pride in London’s favour if no defence was submitted within two weeks.

During earlier proceedings in September, Joell-Deshields’ representatives argued that his agreement to comply with any court order for the return of company property should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.