David Meller is stepping down from his role as a non-executive director at the Department for Education, Anne Milton, education minister, told Parliament today.
The resignation was confirmed after an urgent question from Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, was asked in the Commons about David Meller, remaining a non-executive director of the Department for Education, after revelations about the men-only dinner that the Presidents Club - where he is a trustee - organised.
“David Meller is stepping down as non executive member for the Department for Education and from the chairing the Apprenticeship Delivery Board,” Ms Milton said.
David Meller, is one of the trustees of the Presidents Club. He is also chair of the Meller Educational Trust which has four schools in Hertfordshire and two in Hillingdon.
Undercover journalists from the Financial Times reported that waitresses at the Presidents Club Charity Dinner were subject to groping, lewd comments and were propositioned at the event last week.
The annual dinner, attended by 360 men from business, politics and finance, has been running for more than 30 years with the aim of raising money for charities.
Attendees included the newly-appointed children’s minister Nadhim Zahawi. It has been reported that Mr Zahawi left early.
Ms Milton told Parliament that she had spoken to the minister: “He didn’t stay at the event long, but I know he found the event extremely uncomfortable and he left,” she said.
“And he was truly shocked by the reports that have emerged.”
A Number 10 source said that Mr Meller “has been asked to step down” from his role in the Department for Education, adding: “The Prime Minister thinks that is the right decision.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “This charity event was attended in a personal capacity. It was not official department business and as such we are unable to comment further.”
A spokesman for the organisers said: “The Presidents Club recently hosted its annual dinner raising several million pounds for disadvantaged children.
“The organisers are appalled by the allegations of bad behaviour at the event asserted by the Financial Times reporters.
“Such behaviour is totally unacceptable. The allegations will be investigated fully and promptly and appropriate action taken.”
