The chair of Pride London, Dr Patrick Williams, has responded to calls for his resignation by standing down from his seat at the head of Pride London. This year’s event has come under fire from the LGBT community and world press after the city had to scale back its World Pride celebrations on 7 July due to problems with money and Westminster council.
The organisation issued the following statement:
“Pride London is today announcing that long-standing board member Tony Hughes has taken over as Interim Chair of the charity. The appointment follows the resignation of Dr Patrick Williams – but will not affect this weekend’s World Pride celebrations.
Dr Williams resigned from his position following criticism of the Board’s handing of World Pride 2012. The rest of the Board remains unchanged and committed to delivering an event London can be Proud of. As previously confirmed this will be a scaled-down event from the original plans.
The changes to the scaled-down event are as follows:
• The parade will now be a procession – this means no floats or motor vehicles can take part
• The procession will start at the earlier time of 11am
• The main stage in Trafalgar Square will run from 1:30pm – 6pm
• There will be no events in Golden Square or Around Soho
The Family, Fostering and Adoption Area sponsored by Tesco will go ahead as planned”
