League Trustees Expelled
To strengthen their grip on the League their Senior Management
Team orchestrated the removal of any independent trustee.
It is time that its members and supporters saw what is happening and act to save this cherished organisation.
John cooper, QC
Chris Williamson’s Expulsion
Williamson, a stalwart supporter and trustee of the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), was expelled after raising concerns about severe management issues, alleged attempted hacking, and legal disputes with former employees. Williamson, unable to attend a disciplinary hearing due to being abroad, faced expulsion from a League board with no prior anti-hunt activism experience.
In retaliation, the League allegedly sought to discredit Williamson with numerous false claims. Despite this, Williamson remains committed to the League’s mission of protecting animals from cruelty. He voiced alarm over the trustees’ governance failures, warning that these could jeopardize the broader anti-hunt movement. Williamson urged members to intervene, citing serious concerns about the charity’s finances and transparency. He also pointed out the departure or expulsion of numerous trustees.
Amanda Harris’ Contested Resignation
Amanda Harris, elected as a trustee by League members and a seasoned charity manager, brought vital skills to the board. During the selection process for a new CEO, Harris expressed serious doubts about the chosen candidate. Subsequently, she was informed by the new CEO that she had “resigned” from the board—a claim she adamantly denied.
She was subsequently handed a pre-written resignation letter by Chris Luffingham, the League Director of Campaigns, which she refused to sign.
Despite requests from League Vice-Presidents for a resignation letter, none was ever produced by the League, yet Harris’ name was removed from the Charity Commission register.
Simon Russell’s Expulsion
Simon Russell, like Harris, was elected by members and brought extensive expertise in anti-hunting campaigns, a perspective previously scarce on the board save for Chris Williamson. However, senior managers and former police officers within the League, including one who attended hunt fundraisers, colluded to force his removal. Employees were encouraged to write objections to Russell’s trusteeship, ultimately leading to his expulsion.
Just a week before Russell’s ousting, a former police officer with close ties to a League Director was appointed as a trustee without a members’ vote, a move backed by the League’s Senior Management Team.
Calls for Action
John Cooper QC, a former president of the League, has called on members and supporters to save the organisation. Bob Blizzard, a former Labour whip and League member, highlighted the disarray within the charity in a letter to a trustee, underscoring the urgent need for intervention.
These events raise serious questions about the current governance and direction of the League Against Cruel Sports, an organisation historically dedicated to combating animal cruelty and hunting with dogs.