Ex-Scottish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale Appointed Stonewall Chair Amid Sharp Drop in Corporate Donations

Kezia Dugdale, former Scottish Labour leader, will chair Stonewall starting in September. This appointment occurs as the LGBTQ+ charity navigates a sharp decline in corporate donations, impacting its operational landscape.

Kezia Dugdale, former leader of Scottish Labour, is set to assume the role of chairwoman for Stonewall, a prominent LGBTQ+ charity. Her appointment, effective in September, follows her tenure as chairwoman of Shelter in Scotland and builds on her extensive background in public policy. Stonewall announced her selection, citing her experience in law-making and public policy as valuable for its mission to create safe and inclusive spaces.

Dugdale expressed feeling "thrilled and honoured" to secure the position. She takes the helm at a period marked by significant financial shifts for Stonewall. The charity's corporate donations experienced a decline of more than half in the last financial year. These contributions fell from £348,636 in 2024 to £143,149 in 2025. This decrease in funding has been linked to the ripple effects of changes to diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, particularly from the US government's stance. Such policy shifts can influence corporate engagement with advocacy groups. Despite these financial challenges, Dugdale declared that Stonewall is "fit for the future," signaling readiness to navigate what she termed "turbulent times."

Dugdale's leadership arrives at a pivotal moment, requiring strategic navigation of both Stonewall's advocacy goals and its evolving financial landscape. Her previous public statements, including a warning that progress in LGBT rights in Scotland was "fragile," indicate her awareness of ongoing challenges within the sector. Stonewall's chief executive highlighted Dugdale's deep commitment to public service and LGBTQ+ equality as key assets for the organization. Her experience across academia, politics, and welfare positions her to address the charity's strategic direction, focusing on creating equal rights. Observers will monitor how Dugdale's leadership influences Stonewall's financial trajectory and its continued impact on LGBTQ+ policy and rights advocacy across the UK.