Campaigning tenant group Generation Rent is looking for a new chief executive after Ben Twomey announced he would quit the role in July.

“The timing feels right to pass on the baton, with the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force in England, and elections taking place to decide who will take housing policy into its next phases in Scotland and Wales over the coming years,” Twomey told supporters.

“I’ve chosen to take some time to explore a set of long-standing interests and projects that I haven’t previously had the space to pursue.”

Twomey became chief executive three years ago, and since then hasn’t endeared himself to private landlords. Earlier this year, he told The Guardian that the threat of mass sales from landlords “should be taken with a large pinch of salt” and argued that most landlords were able to absorb an increase in tax.

Supporter

A supporter of rent controls, he has often described the PRS as “broken” and only last week said: “Landlords have consistently shown that they will not make energy efficiency improvements unless forced to do so.”

The job – which pays a £68,000 salary – is for an “experienced and compassionate individual to help us influence change and give renters a say in the decisions that shape their lives” the advert explains.

“You will work to achieve change across the four nations of the UK, leading a fast-paced team at a vital time for legislation and politics around renting. You’ll have experience in navigating policies and laws, as well as the ability to be strategic, organised and persuasive when engaging with renters, politicians, the media, partners and funders.”

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