Norris faces pressure to quit RHA
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• Steven Norris faces increased pressure to quit as director-general of the Road Haulage Association at this month's board meeting over
worries about his political ambitions. He might be asked to resign as soon as 26 August to pacify some members who feel his credibility as director-general is already damaged by his bid for Mayor of London candidacy.
Ex-chairman Bob McKinnon says: "He needs to move on. I would expect an announcement in four to six weeks. It is common sense. Hauliers see a conflict of interest. If you are on the board you have to do
what your members want; they are saying sort it out—it's getting embarrassing."
The dissatisfaction among some board directors stems from Norris's bid for mayor while he keeps his RHA day job. McKinnon says: "You cannot really run with the fox and hunt with the hounds. If he is looking for votes to become mayor, does he really want to oppose the Government?"
Another director, John Marshall, adds: "You cannot have two hats. Politics cannot come into a trade association because you have to deal with both parties.'
Norris, who still has the support of some board members, defends his position: commit an enormous amount of energy to the RHA and will continue to do so. Being a candidate for the party nomination is not the same as running for mayor. If I get confirmed as the candidate I would then offer my resignation."