The announcement that Richard Leafe, chief executive of the national park authority, is stepping down, has been welcomed by a former Keswick councillor.
Tony Lywood had a five-year term on the LDNPA and was an outspoken critic of its leadership and wants to see Mr Leafe’s successor put the needs of residents and conservation first.
Mr Leafe, who was paid £104,262 in salary and allowances, with a pension contribution of £18,098 during 2022-23 for a total of £122,360, has led the national park for more than 16 years and plans to step down at the end of this year to become an independent mountain leader.
In a press release issued by the LDNPA, Mr Leafe was hailed for “his energy, vision and dedication” and that his contribution would be felt for “many years”.
But straight-shooting Mr Lywood responded: “As far as I am concerned, it’s not soon enough. Richard Leafe’s tenure has been one where the community of the Lake District has been largely ignored and the NPA has been set on its own agenda which has not been particularly beneficial to those who live within the Lake District.”
Mr Lywood claimed the LDNPA had become an “adjunct” of Cumbria Tourism and favoured tourism and commercialism ahead of preservation and conservation. Prior to Mr Leafe’s appointment his predecessor, Paul Tiplady, had faced precisely the reverse criticism with the environment versus the economy argument, a delicate balancing act in England’s largest national park.
Mr Lywood said the level of local occupancy housing available to local people had fallen “massively” during Mr Leafe’s time in charge and the authority had proved “completely impotent” to stop it. “That is in no way a criticism of the officers of the national park who do a very good job on a daily basis,” said Mr Lywood.
However, national park chair, Tiffany Hunt praised Mr Leafe, described in the release as an “environmentalist”, for having led the “rallying cry” against climate change. She said the LDNPA had created a “carbon budget” – long before the term “net zero” was common parlance.
Ms Hunt added: “He’s a champion of partnership working, identifying that collaborative action is the best way to look after this special place.”
Mr Leafe said: “It’s been the most wonderful job in the world. When I first joined, I wanted to see a national park that was truly a park for everyone, managed in harmony with sustainable development and protected for nature and climate. Whilst we’re still on that journey, we have made huge steps forward in recent years in the way people access and enjoy the national park, connecting with nature and caring for the environment. I’m proud to have been part of that positive change.
“I’ve been fortunate to have worked alongside the most dedicated and passionate people. From our knowledgeable staff and volunteers to our members and partners, it’s a real team effort to look after this national park.”
