A new chair has been appointed to lead the Lake District National Park Authority.
Jim Jackson has been elected chair of the authority, succeeding Tiffany Hunt following her four-year tenure. He previously served as deputy chair and has been a member of the authority since February 2020.
Jackson was elected by fellow members at the authority's meeting on June 24. The board oversees the work of the national park authority, providing leadership and strategic direction while helping deliver its statutory responsibilities.
A secretary of state-appointed member, Jackson spent 40 years in the telecommunications industry, including overseeing fibre broadband rollout projects and serving as infrastructure director for the north of England at Openreach. Before joining the authority, he was deputy chair of the Local Enterprise Partnership.
Having moved to Cumbria in his twenties, Jackson is also involved with Arnside Sailing Club, where he is a trained paddleboard instructor and trip leader, and is a keen hillwalker. The day before his election he completed the 73-mile Cumbria Way.
Speaking after his appointment, Jackson said he was looking forward to meeting more people across the national park and building on work already under way to support communities, visitors, nature and the landscape.
Peter Walter has been elected deputy chair. A councillor with Above Derwent Parish Council, he has served on the authority for three years and previously worked in the communications and innovation sectors.
Outgoing chair Tiffany Hunt thanked members and officers for their support during her time in office, praising the "good spirit and camaraderie" across the organisation.
Further information on the authority's membership and governance is available on the Lake District National Park Authority website.
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