Putney News: "Lord tries to rewrite law to rescue Wimbledon from court battle. He sits on the AELTC board"..."MPs slam ‘scandalous’ conflict"

Putney News | 25 October 2025 | Kieren McCarthy

"MPs slam ‘scandalous’ conflict as Lord O’Donnell’s amendment would kill Wimbledon Park legal challenge."

"A member of the House of Lords is set to sponsor legislation next week that could directly benefit the All England Lawn Tennis Club’s ongoing legal battle over Wimbledon Park – while simultaneously serving as a director of three companies controlled by the club.

Lord Gus O’Donnell, the former Cabinet Secretary, is one of four peers backing Amendment 250 to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, due for debate on Monday or Wednesday. The amendment would override a landmark 2023 Supreme Court ruling that protects public recreation land from development without proper consultation.

If passed, the change would be backdated to 1980 and could decisively affect Save Wimbledon Park’s case against the All England Club, scheduled for the High Court in January. The campaign argues the former golf course land remains protected by a statutory trust for public recreation, despite being sold to the club in 1993."...read more from Putney News: "...MPs slam ‘scandalous’ conflict"