Travelodge CEO Cancels Meeting with MPs, Victim Calls It 'Quite Shocking'
A woman who was sexually assaulted at a Travelodge hotel has expressed shock and disappointment after the company's chief executive, Jo Boydell, canceled a scheduled meeting with Members of Parliament. The survivor, who remains anonymous for legal reasons, was attacked by Kyran Smith in December 2022 after hotel reception staff in Maidenhead, Berkshire, gave him a key card to her room under false pretenses.
Prime Minister's Intervention and Victim's Reaction
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer recently wrote to Ms. Boydell, expressing deep concern over her decision to cancel the meeting regarding what he described as an "utterly appalling" assault. In response, the survivor told ITV's Good Morning Britain that she finds it "quite shocking" that the CEO would avoid such discussions. She emphasized that as the head of the company, Ms. Boydell has a responsibility to address these issues and outline improvements to protect guests.
In a separate interview with BBC News, the woman questioned the CEO's commitment to safeguarding, asking why she would not attend meetings with MPs if she were genuinely worried about guest safety.
CEO's Apologies and Security Claims
Ms. Boydell has issued multiple apologies, both in a statement earlier in March and in media interviews, expressing regret for the company's handling of the incident. She stated that Travelodge has implemented immediate changes to its door key policy. However, the survivor dismissed claims about deadbolts being fitted to hotel doors as a "deflection," insisting she had secured her door on the night of the attack.
Speaking to Good Morning Britain, Ms. Boydell responded, "I'm really sorry if she did feel dismissed, and we are definitely listening to what she has to say. The hotels with key cards have deadbolts, but clearly something went wrong here, and that needs to be investigated."
Acknowledgment of Other Incidents and Compensation Issues
The CEO acknowledged awareness of "other instances" where unwanted individuals gained access to guests' rooms, though she noted these differed from the key deception in this case. She revealed that she only learned of Smith's assault this month, despite his imprisonment over three years after the incident. Ms. Boydell admitted that the incident should have been escalated but was not, indicating a failure in internal processes.
She also expressed understanding of the survivor's offense after Travelodge initially offered just £30 in compensation. The woman is now pursuing legal proceedings against the hotel chain, according to the BBC.
Background of the Assault and Legal Proceedings
Prior to the attack, Smith, from Staines in Surrey, deceived hotel staff by claiming to be the victim's partner after both attended the same gathering. Staff reported that he passed security verification by supplying her name. Smith was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison in February following the assault.
Earlier this month, MPs were informed they could participate in an independent investigation into Travelodge's room security protocols, led by barrister Paul Greaney KC. This investigation will include a specialist in violence against women and girls, focusing on room security procedures and the handling of the incident.
