Former Shelter CEO to become Peer in House of Lords

Former Shelter chief executive Polly Neate has been nominated as a crossbench Peer in the House of Lords.

Ms Neate stood down from her role in March this year and has been a strong advocate for tenants’ rights and pushed for the abolition of Section 21.

The Independent House of Lords Appointments Commission which nominated Ms Neate as a Peer, described her as “an expert in social policy, specialising in housing, homelessness and violence against women and girls.”

Ms Neate developed Shelter’s long-term strategy

The Independent House of Lords Appointments Commission has announced that Ms Neate will be one of two non-party-political peers recommended for a peerage, alongside Clare Gerada, former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP).

The House of Lords Appointment Commission say Ms Neate has campaigned for social justice and equality throughout her career.

In a press release, the Commission said: “Ms Neate developed Shelter’s long-term strategy, focusing on increasing investment in social housing and enhancing community engagement. She also initiated significant organisational changes, including a strategic litigation project that addressed discrimination against benefit recipients in the housing sector.

“She has received recognition for her work, including a CBE in January 2020. She is also involved in various non-executive and voluntary roles, contributing to initiatives in civil society and related sectors.”

Strive for the causes I have believed in

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Ms Neate said she was honoured to start a new phase in her life.

She said: “I’m truly honoured to have been recommended as a cross-bench peer by the House of Lords Appointments Commission.

“In this new phase of my life, I will continue to strive for the causes I have believed in and championed throughout my career.”