By Sebastian O’Kelly
Martin Boyd, the chair of the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, has decided to resign and has announced his resignation publicly on Twitter today.
This is a huge loss to the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership, to the wider efforts to reform the leasehold system and to leaseholders generally.
Justin Madders MP, Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston and an LKP patron, expressed his regret here:
Martin’s decision is prompted by the MHCLG civil servants’ response to his complaint about a meeting between LKP, Sir Peter Bottomley and the chair of the Leasehold Advisory Service, Wanda Goldwag on April 25 2019.
This meeting is reported in detail here:
‘If I fail to offend anyone, I will do it next time,’ Bottomley tells appalled leasehold professionals at LEASE annual conference
The matter is now the subject of a complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman against MHCLG’s handling of the issue, which is expected to rule shortly. But the views of the civil service on the matter are clear.
Martin has argued that he was subjected to false accusations at the meeting. See article above.
The civil service have ignored these points in their response to the Ombudsman. As a result, Martin feels he has no credibility with officials, with whom LKP meets regularly, and has resigned as our chair.
Instead, the response addresses what the MHCLG permanent secretary terms Ms Goldwag’s “navy language”, which was deployed throughout the meeting.
According to the MHCLG permanent secretary Ms Goldwag is disposed to apologise for this, but after 18 months has not done so (there is reference to an attempt to obtain his phone number).
The meeting was also attended by myself, Katherine O’Riordan, Sir Peter Bottomley’s Senior Parliamentary Adviser, and Joanne Darbyshire, an LKP trustee and co-founder of the NLC.
The MHCLG has made no effort to contact any of those who were present.
Leaseholders should be in no doubt about what has been going on here.
The meeting with Wanda Goldwag was a disgrace.
She ignored the agenda, which the Leasehold Advisory Service had itself set, and immediately launched into a foul-mouthed attack on LKP and particularly Martin.
Neither Martin nor Sir Peter responded to these provocations, and throughout the meeting the only other person who spoke was me, to try to calm matters.
All present were aghast by this performance, the aim of which presumably was to break LKP’s relationship with MPs. It is most unlikely that someone of Ms Goldwag’s nature would make an accurate assessment of Sir Peter Bottomley. Or Martin, come to that.
Leaseholders may wish to ask:
Why should LKP lose its chair in these circumstances?
Why should leaseholders be deprived of the services – freely given over many years – of Martin Boyd because of a series of ill-disciplined and wrong accusations by someone on the public payroll?
How are leaseholders’ interests served by inaction over this by the civil service?
Many officials in MHCLG, other ministries, the Law Commission, the judiciary, the Competition and Markets Authority etc have had regular dealings with Martin Boyd.
If he is wrongly accused of bulling LEASE staff – many lowly paid, women and from ethnic minority backgrounds, as Ms Goldwag emphasised – they need to support him.
Cladding leaseholders in particular owe Martin Boyd a debt of gratitude: it was solely thanks to him that their issues were first raised in Westminster.
It is to be hoped that those MPs with whom LKP has worked for many years – many of them directly assisted by Martin – will not let this matter pass.
Related posts:
Martin Boyd returns to LKP
LKP trustees tell MHCLG that Martin Boyd can return to LKP any time
Martin Boyd should be the chair of LEASE
Reform laws on track for ‘second half of 2020’, Martin Boyd tells Property Week
Sebastian O’Kelly and Martin Boyd praised in House of Commons: put them on the board of LEASE and clear up the ‘muck’ of leasehold
You are better than commercial developers and freeholders so be kind over the cladding catastrophe, LKP urges housing association conference
The behaviour of LEASE has been a considerable concern for leaseholders for many years and they just “get away with it”. But now they have taken it to a new level. The Leasehold Advisory Service has now cost Leaseholders the most valuable asset we had in fighting for Justice for Leaseholders. LEASE are totally and utterly useless in giving leaseholders a voice & practical advice (which is what we need). Quoting Law’s that we all know are broken is little help to leaseholders on the receiving end. Martin Boyd has done more for Leaseholders (totally voluntary) than LEASE have ever done with the thousands government throws at them every year. I am utterly appalled that it has come to this. Wanda Goldwag has been in position for a couple of years and look at what she has cost leaseholders? Since Wanda has been in post the door was firmly shut in the face of LKP. No doubt her aim from the outset was to discredit LKP. I am appalled I really am. There is no “unfair” criticism of the Leasehold Advisory Service it is justified. Leaseholders are in crisis, what with the Cladding Scandal. Martin was instrumental in helping us. If MP’s and Ministers are honest Martin Boyd provided them with outstanding technical knowledge and expertise on Leasehold and they should be raise serious concerns (yet again) about the Quango LEASE. WANDA GOLDWAG SHOULD RESIGN NOT MARTIN
Katie Kendrick, I have long believed and posted many years ago that THE MONEY MEN behind politicians are working within organisations to prevent LKP and also some very good politicians from changing the Status Quo for Leasehold and Fleaseholder’s and also Estate Management which is now seen as corrupt.
It is not a surprise that Wanda Goldwag chair of LEASE and others such as Baroness Dianne Hayter, are out to undermine LKP.
Baroness Hayter decided to criticised the Leasehold Knowledge Partnership (LKP) for not taking part. Baroness Hayter stated to an all-day seminar of the Institute of Residential Property Managers that LKP was in her words “upset” because they had not being invited to join the group and had taken their ball home and refused to play.
This was condemned as untrue by LKP and if the thread of these happening are extrapolated it is clear these people intend to undermine the brilliant work by Martin and Sebastian.
Remember the previous chair of LEASE who favoured Freeholders and made money for LEASE explaining how freeholders could increase Revenue Streams from taking advantage of leaseholders after being informed by Ministers they couldn’t have any more money, but had to be more commercial and bring in more revenue themselves.
We have for a long time stated there was a conspiracy against LKP and other sites set up to try and prevent LEASHOLD/FREEHOLD/ESTATE MANAGEMENT EXPLOITATION.
I’ve had no dealings with either Martin Boyd or Wanda Goldwag but Martin’s name is so familiar to me. He is synonymous with his tremendous efforts to assist leaseholders and I’m sure he will be sorely missed.
Personally I hope he remains in position and that there will be a concentrated effort in getting him to stay put.
He will not have lost credibility in the eyes of many.
This is dreadful lost for words one of the the driving forces behind LKP I would not have resigned and let some foul mouthed woman win. We need you and need all of LKP . Everything you have ever done has been given freely and with good grace you have helped and supported so many people, including myself on numerous occasions. I do not believe you know how much you are needed, without you others will think they have won, got rid of a thorn in their side. I don’t know this Goldwag but know of what she is doing and trying to do which is to undermine everything LKP has stood for and as you won’t go away it appears only underhand and dirty tactics are all that is left. Katie Kendrick is right LEASE are about as much use as a chocolate tea pot and anyone who works in this business with agree. You have started this Martin, please finish this with us, tell us what to do to galvanize others please don’t go reconsider and stay and fight and bring them to task.
LEASE has always been a loose cannon and a useless QUANGO.
Martin Boyd has done more as an individual than LEASE has done in the past.
Often called LEAST by those who are aware should be closed down and the money paid to LKP instead.
Martin I wish you all the best whatever you decide to do and we all thank you..
Thank you for a very gracious comment. S
Another illustration of how stacked against the leaseholder, and every unsung hero who fights for leaseholders, the the whole system and those who benefit from all this is. Even with such tireless campaigning with the best talented people on the side of what should be right and just, the feudal system carries on destroying individuals to keep the money flowing from those who have less to those who have more
In an era where knowledge and integrity are thin on the ground and more important than ever, Martin Boyd and the LKP have the sort of credibility that Wanda Goldwag and LEASE can only dream of. If we lose the former and are left with the latter, then that’s a tragedy for leaseholders, and the leasehold sector, and it would be very disappointing if anyone who is in a position to intervene in this egregious situation does not do so.
I don’t understand how Wanda has got away with her vile behaviour towards Martin and LKP on the whole. If I acted like that in a professional setting I would be sacked on the spot! To have pushed someone away from their passion (and denying Leaseholders his support in the process) with their disgusting, vindictive character is the definition of bullying. She has the gall the make false accusations and he a bully herself – how is that right? Wanda Goldwag needs to resign or be sacked. Please don’t go Martin – we must not let bullies win. Ever.
This is a travesty and just about sums up this government’s level of concern for leaseholders and their rights – they have none. This shouldn’t be allowed to happen – bullying by adults should not be tolerated.
Martin has assisted numerous leaseholders in so many ways – and what has LEASE and Wanda done during that time. Nothing other than give poor advice, not advised the government about the injustices of leasehold and fought for nothing on our behalf.
I implore MPs and Ministers to act swiftly by insisting Wanda apologises and steps down, allowing Martin to withdraw his resignation and continue the fight for all of us. His knowledge is unique and undeniable.
Agree. MPs must stand together in support for Martin and LKP now!
This is all wrong. Wanda Goldwag should be the one resigning. She is
an overpaid part time head of a government quango that lost the trust of leaseholders years ago. Shut LEASE down a redirect the funds to LKP.
Jay, this is where politicians can make a difference, of all the politicians signed up by LKP that support Leaseholders only Sir Peter Bottomley is a Conservative, food for thought.
Isn’t it strange only one Conservative who is a Leaseholder him self has signed up to help?
Many conservative MPs have signed up to join the APPG on leasehold reform – we need them all to stand up and demand that Wanda resigns.
Who do we trust as leaseholders? Martin, the chair of LKP or Wanda who is head of a government organisation who seem to protect freeholder interests. The government should be hiring Martin not pushing him out. LEASE need to be leading leasehold reform and should’ve been on top of the leasehold scandal before it turned ugly! That all fell on Martin and the LKP team! I just hope Martin reconsiders and Wanda is the one who resigns!
Martin,
I thank you for all you have done to right the wrongs of leasehold. Starting with you sterling work at Charter Quay you have continued to serve the interests of leaseholders with great élan and dedication. Everyone has cause to be grateful to you?
Clearly, you have decided to take time out (and I sincerely hope it is just time out?) We need you Martin, we want you back, but if that is not to be LKP will be wounded, the campaign will be wounded, but you have inspired enough of us to carry on your brilliant campaign? We will not let up.
Michael,
I echo your words regarding Martin and agree.
Martin has always inspired me over the many years I have known about him, we haven’t always seen eye to eye, but he is the TOP MAN and as such should be honoured for his work, even a knighthood would not be surprising.
Wow! Absolutely no words……… having been personally helped by Martin twice in recent years, I have nothing but admiration and praise for this man. Interestingly, I used to work for the Legal Ombudsman when Wanda was brought in. She didn’t last too long in that role either did she ? Why is it that failed ‘executives’ get promoted and those who are spectacularly qualified (such as Martin) and give so much of themselves for the betterment of complete strangers -often at the expense of themselves and their families – goes unrecognised? I am seriously at a complete loss. Martin – I wish you all the very best…….but please reconsider….. we’d love you to come back 🤞 . Thank you so much anyway …..much love ….. Lesley x
I am dismayed by this news and finding it difficult to understand why a leaseholder champion such as Martin Boyd can be treated in this way.
I am aware that others who were present at the meeting and witnessed the behaviour of Goldwag first hand, have offered to give evidence to government officials tasked with investigating the complaint but have not been approached.
This calls into question the credibility of any future government response to this issue.
The credibility of LEASE is also unclear with many reports from leaseholders that misleading advice is often provided and therefore maybe Ms Goldwag’s leadership should also be investigated?
In any event no-one should be subjected to foul language and unfounded accusations without some form of recourse, and when that right is removed there remains little option but to resign as Martin has done.
A real blow to leaseholders.
yes I cannot understand it all. Using foul language is Abuse!!
Martin has been without a doubt one half of the LKP duo, selflessly striving to counteract abuses in leasehold. Unpaid, hardworking, dedicated volunteer with a wealth of knowledge and expertise that has benefited thousands of leaseholders as well as MPs and MHCLG although they do not admit to this. It’s appalling that in todays society hard work and justice counts for nothing. On the other hand the govt funded body LEASE pulls hissy fit stunts which in my opinion is because they feel threatened by the truth. They exist only to keep fundamentally flawed leaseholds the status quo as well as paid handsomely by the tax payer for poor service.
Sack LEASE. FUND LKP. BRING BACK MARTIN.
Martin helped me and my block out of technical prison, and achieve RTM.
I’m disgusted about the attack on him and think that … [REDACTED, WITH SOME RELUCTANCE]
I agree with all the comments above, many 1000s of people have greatly benefited from Martin’s work in the last 12 years, and I very much hope his talent and experience can still be used to help leaseholders in future.
I am dismayed at this news. It seems to be so unprofessional of Wanda Goldwag and in any other sphere she would be sacked. Swearing at people – really cannot understand why Martin Boyd has to resign.
I sought advice as a leaseholder from LEASE once. I waited 18 months for a reply. I contacted LKP and the turnaround was 2 days.
In any other sphere swearing would be classed as gross misconduct and the individual would be sacked. But perhaps the bigger picture is to silence LKP.
Significantly Martin has been fighting the leasehold issue for 12 years. Telling in itself really
Martin helped me when there was no one eles…my home may have been taken..he is extremlly knowalable hard working selfless kind genourous and hard working. I am dyslexic and its to write…also the idea the public body are ill treating him seems like a delbriate attempte to stop leaseholders changing laws…just this week sheared ownership programme was on telly just how bad how sucides becuse people cant cope and cant pay…thess kinds of sums …Martin has carried the flag of an underclass who unknowling brought a risk a money pot for Rich Freeholders a lose around are necks whilst landlords pump us dry of money…This needs to end laws need to Change and he has the knowagle and the kindness to it …he has helped so many its a disgrace to treat him badly
I am appalled at what is happening. Martin is a champion of leaseholders and does amazing work with LKP. Bring him back and bring LEASE to account for their poor service which is funded by the tax payer.
Can’t believe a selfless, hardworking and dedicated campaigner against leasehold abuses has had to resign. LEASE should hang their heads in shame. Makes you wonder who LEASE really represent? Martin, please reconsider. Wanda, please resign.
Absolutely digusted with this. Shocking and bewildered why such a fantastic campaigner for a just cause was pushed to this point. Martin please reconsider we need your help.
Appalled that someone who was a spectacular failure on gambling awareness is allowed to behave so very badly in another highly paid role & not be brought to heel
Unfair for Martin and us Leaseholders. All a Goverment cover up to protect them and their interests. LEASE paid by our tax money….. Should be working for us not against us.
LEASE? An abysmal and biased track record against leaseholders, who have no representation on Lease?
£1,595,000 Government grant in 2018 £1,100,000 spent on wages?
Time for Lease to go and be replaced by LKP?
They should hang their heads in shame but LEASE will not they don’t know the meaning of the word shame, they have always looked after their own backs,their behaviour is appalling and all paid for by the tax payer. What an incredible loss Martin will be to the leasehold fight for abolition.