Kezia Dugdale has been appointed as the new Chair of LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, the organisation has confirmed, with her tenure set to begin in September 2026.
Dugdale, a former leader of the Scottish Labour Party and current Associate Director at the Centre for Public Policy, will take up the role after completing her term as Chair of Shelter Scotland. Her appointment comes at a significant moment for the organisation as it navigates a changing political and social landscape.
In a statement, Dugdale said she was “thrilled and honoured” to be joining Stonewall at what she described as a “critical turning point” in its history.
“Stonewall has been central to delivering so many rights that I have the privilege to enjoy,” she said. “Yet there’s nothing inevitable about progress. There are too many stories both here and across the globe of rights being rolled back and progress reversed for us to rest easy.”
She added that she was choosing to take on the role in a voluntary capacity in order to support the organisation’s leadership and its work in advancing equality.
“Stonewall is fit for the future. Ready to navigate these turbulent times, influence policy and create more safe and inclusive places for our community to feel safe and thrive in. We won’t stop until everyone, everywhere has equal rights,” Dugdale said.
Stonewall’s Chief Executive, Simon Blake OBE, welcomed the appointment, describing Dugdale as a strong addition to the organisation’s leadership at a time of ongoing challenge and change.
“She has a deep commitment to public service and a long history of advocating for LGBTQ+ equality,” Blake said. “Her skills and experience across academia, politics and welfare will be an asset to Stonewall as we deliver on our purpose to create a safe and equal world for LGBTQ+ people to live, work and thrive.”
Dugdale brings with her experience in public policy and political leadership, having previously served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament and led Scottish Labour between 2015 and 2017. She has also held roles in academic and civic institutions, including the John Smith Centre.
Outgoing Chair Ayla Holdom said it had been “a profound privilege” to serve in the role and expressed confidence in Dugdale’s leadership.
“Kezia is the perfect leader for our next chapter,” Holdom said. “I step down proud of the strong foundations Stonewall has built, guided by clarity of purpose and strategy to navigate the turbulence of our times.”
Stonewall has played a central role in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in the UK since its founding in 1989, including campaigning for equal age of consent, civil partnerships and same-sex marriage. In recent years, the organisation has operated across policy, education and workplace inclusion, working with employers and institutions across the UK.
Dugdale’s appointment comes at a time when LGBTQ+ issues remain a prominent part of public and political debate, particularly in relation to equality law, healthcare and inclusion.
Stonewall’s role in shaping policy and supporting LGBTQ+ communities is likely to remain central as discussions continue.
Kim Cockayne