Telegraph readers’ response to new National Trust voting system

Telegraph readers have written to the Editor to express concern over the National Trust’s new voting system - which has a ‘quick vote’ option to ratify the Board’s preferred candidates - and urging members to vote against these candidates.

National Trust votes - 15 September 2022

SIR – I have just received AGM documentation from the National Trust. Not only does it recommend which trustees to vote for, but also which resolutions to vote for or against as the case may be.

In those circumstances, I feel it is a waste of time voting (especially as the chairman may have many proxy votes) and as a member consider this approach to be patronising.

In deciding which potential trustees to vote for, they each give a summary of themselves, their background and why they may be considered suitable. Why, then, do the existing trustees think it appropriate to make recommendations? It smacks of wanting to maintain the status quo.

Surely a body such as the National Trust cannot consider this good governance. It is yet another stain on the trust’s management record.

Richard Tinn
Malvern, Worcestershire

National Trust rebels - 26 September 2022

SIR – There have been complaints about the way in which the National Trust hierarchy is attempting to steer members to vote at the forthcoming AGM (Letters, September 24).

Perhaps, however, those who are unhappy about the trust’s behaviour should be grateful for the steer, as they can now do the opposite of what the trust urges: don’t vote for its preferred candidates, and do vote for the motions it explicitly dislikes. And above all, don’t despair and waste your vote.

Roger White
Sherborne, Dorset