Environment Agency chairman Dilley resigns

Sir Philip the former chairman of the engineering and design firm Arup, joined the Agency in 2014, replacing the Labour peer Lord Smith.

The Agency chief had been widely criticised by MPs in flood hit areas in the north of England over his decision to travel to Barbados over the Christmas holiday, despite severe flooding in parts of the UK.

The Telegraph newspaper had also alleged that Sir Philip had approved a potentially misleading statement about his whereabouts during the flooding.

Current deputy chairman Emma Howard Boyd has become acting chairman with immediate effect. A replacement will be appointed in ‘due course’ Defra has said.

Decision

Commenting on his decision, he said: “I have today told the Secretary of State of my decision to step down as Chairman of the Environment Agency, and she has accepted my resignation.

“I am well qualified to carry out this role, and had much to contribute. I fully support the Secretary of State’s reform agenda to deliver efficiency as well as a better, more joined-up service to our stakeholders and the public, and so I am disappointed that I will not now see through delivery of these reforms.”

Sir Philip added that he felt that the expectations of the role had expanded to require him to be available at short notice throughout the year ‘irrespective of routine arrangements for deputy and executive cover. He described this as ‘inappropriate’ in a part-time non-executive position.

He added: “Furthermore the media scrutiny focused on me is diverting attention from the real issue of helping those whose homes and businesses have flooded, as well as the important matter of delivering a long-term flood defence strategy. This same media attention has also affected and intruded on my immediate family, which I find unacceptable.

“I want to be clear that I have not made any untrue or misleading statements, apart from approving the statement about my location over Christmas that in hindsight could have been clearer.”

Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss, said: “Today I have accepted Sir Philip Dilley’s resignation and I would like to thank him for his work as Chairman of the Environment Agency.

“He has ably led the Environment Agency through some challenging times and leaves it a much better organisation, as shown in its excellent response to the recent flooding which saw staff working around the clock to protect and help thousands of people across the country.

“It is important that the Environment Agency continues to have a strong leadership team and its Chief Executive Sir James Bevan will continue his excellent work heading up the operational and day-to-day running of the organisation.”