Travelodge boss resigns amid criticism over handling of assaults; oil price tops $93 a barrel – as it happened

The boss of Travelodge has stepped down as the budget hotel chain scrambles to improve safety after two incidents where guests were assaulted at its hotels.

The firm said Joanna Boydell left on Monday after 13 years with the company and will be replaced by chief financial officer Ray Reidy on an interim basis while they hunt for a permanent successor.

Boydell was heavily criticised over her handling of an incident in 2022 and concerns over safety across the chain, prompting former prime minister Keir Starmer to step in and urge her to “seriously engage” with the government on the issue after she cancelled a meeting with MPs.

The hotel chain has come under fire for giving men the keys to women’s rooms without asking the woman first.

A guest at a Travelodge in Maidenhead, Berkshire, was sexually assaulted by a man who had been given a key card to her room. Kyran Smith was jailed in February for seven-and-a-half years following the attack in December 2022. The victim was later offered what she described as an “insulting” £30 refund after the assault.

This month, it emerged that there was another incident at a hotel in London.

Travelodge staff gave a room key to the domestic abuser of a woman, who then physically attacked her. The woman, who is remaining anonymous, told the BBC she was staying in a Travelodge in London to escape the man, but he followed her and was given a key by the reception staff.

They pointed him to her room, where she says he kicked in the door, assaulted her and tried to grab her phone. Travelodge has said such instances are “very rare” and customer safety is a priority.

double quotation mark We remain focused on the safety and wellbeing of our guests and will continue taking the actions necessary to strengthen the business.

We will also continue to engage proactively and constructively with government and the wider hospitality industry on the issue of safety and security.

Stephen Shurrock , the Travelodge chairman, said:

double quotation mark This announcement does not change anything about our focus on safety and security. On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Jo for her dedication to Travelodge over the last 13 years.