Charlie Dewhirst steps down from NPA role to begin election campaign

The NPA’s chief policy adviser Charlie Dewhirst has left the association to focus on his general election campaign.

Charlie, who has worked for the NPA for nearly four years, was selected in November as the Conservative Party candidate for the Bridlington and The Wolds constituency at the next General Election. As was always the plan, with the formal campaign underway, he now steps down from his role.

Charlie said: “I want to thank everyone in the industry for a fantastic three and a half years at the NPA. It’s fair to say it has been something of a rollercoaster since I joined in late 2020. From Brexit to the backlogs, it was a uniquely challenging period, and I will never forget those darkest days at the height of the crisis in 2021 and 2022.

“Thankfully, we now find ourselves in calmer waters and, although there will inevitably be challenges ahead, I have no doubt that the industry will pull together to tackle them in the same way you always have done.

“I wish the NPA and its members all the very best for the future and if things work out for me on 4 July, I promise to be a vocal advocate for the sector in Parliament!”

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “One consequence of the July 4 election is that, sadly, we will lose Charlie a little earlier than anticipated as he begins his election campaign in earnest.

“I want to thank him for all his hard work and valuable political expertise over the past four years and wish him the very best of luck for the big day.”

We will have news of Charlie's replacement soon.