Athenaeum Club members revolt over admission of Dame Alison Rose

The Athenaeum Club, a historic private institution in London, is facing internal revolt following the admission of Dame Alison Rose. Rose, the former chief executive of NatWest, resigned in July 2023 after a controversy involving the closure of Nigel Farage’s bank account due to his political views.

Thirty members of the club reportedly sent a letter to the chairman, Sir Philip May, expressing “strong opposition” to Rose’s membership. The members accused her of “unprofessional behaviour that renders her unsuitable to be a member” and argued that her admission risked bringing the club into disrepute. They further contended that her presence contradicts the club’s historically apolitical traditions.

Some members have alleged that the decision to admit Rose was based on her wealth and “woke credentials” rather than the intellectual attainments typically required by the club. Critics of the leadership claim that the objections raised by members were ignored by Sir Philip May.