Family Rights Group chief executive Cathy Ashley is to step down after being appointed a life peer during the summer.

She was named as Baroness Ashley of Lambeth last month and is sitting in the House of Lords for the Labour Party.

But she said the workload involved in her new role means she can no longer continue as CEO of the charity, which she has led for the past 22 years.

“I am still reeling from the honour of being appointed to the House of Lords,” she said.

“However, given the workload involved in my current role and the time and energy I will need to devote to being a working peer, I have decided that I need to stand down as Chief Executive of Family Rights Group.”

She is to stay on at the charity until Spring next year, while it searches for a replacement.

“I am deeply grateful to everyone at Family Rights Group and to the many people beyond the charity who have supported our work,” added Ashley.

“Of course, there’s still so much more to do. I will continue to work with an exceptional team at Family Rights Group over the next few months to deliver for children and families.

“And as a working peer, I remain determined to work to address significant injustices within our child welfare system, and will continue to champion the values that make this charity stand out.”

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