BMC elects its first female president

For the first time in its history the British Mountaineering Council has elected a female president.

Mountaineering Scotland has sent our congratulations to new president Lynn Robinson, who was elected as the new BMC president on Saturday 16 June during the BMC AGM in Kendal.

Our President, Mike Watson, said: “The election of a female president is an important step in terms of equality. I was also most impressed by Lynn’s presentation on how she would take the BMC forward and I look forward to working with her.”

Mike also welcomed the decision on the new Articles of Association, which had been a contentious issue, and said: “I hope this decisive vote will draw a line on past disagreements within the BMC and allow a positive future for all members under Lynn’s presidency. We look forward to working with the board of directors to implement the final recommendations from the Organisational Review Group, particularly those which relate to working with the home nations.”

This year's AGM was one of the most important the BMC has seen, largely due to Item 9: the special resolution to adopt a new constitution (aka Articles of Association).

The AGM was a hotbed of debate, with enthusiastic presentations from both sides of the floor lasting many hours. However, after all votes were counted the record-breaking total was conclusive: 92% (6,057) voted to adopt the new Articles of Association.

With acting president Nick Kurth stepping down from his role, there were two candidates for the presidency: Lynn Robinson and Les Ainwsorth.

Both spoke of their plans to take the BMC forward, but when it came to the vote Lynn was elected, with 4,168 votes compared to Les’s 2,000.

Simon McCalla, independent director, congratulated Nick Kurth on his “unstinting dedication” and thanked him for being “a tremendous acting president.”

Lynn Robinson, new BMC president, said: “I'm absolutely thrilled to have been voted in as BMC president, thank you to everybody for their support and votes. And thanks to Les for his commitment to the BMC. I can't wait to get started, and am really looking forward to recognising some of the BMC's amazing volunteers.”

Dave Turnbull, BMC CEO, said: “This was a truly historic BMC AGM. Not only did we have a record voting turnout – nearly three times our previous record – but the BMC now has its first female president. We all look forward to working together and to take the BMC forward into a very strong future for all its members.”