The chief executive of tenant activist group Generation Rent is quitting the £68,000 a year role.

Ben Twomey – who has previously failed in his bid to be elected as a Labour crime commissioner – is reported to be leaving the post in July.

He is quoted as saying: “The timing feels right to pass on the baton, with the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force in England, and elections taking place to decide who will take housing policy into its next phases in Scotland and Wales over the coming years.”

He continues: “I’ve chosen to take some time to explore a set of long-standing interests and projects that I haven’t previously had the space to pursue.”

Twomey, who has taken an aggressively anti-landlord stance, took up the role three years ago.

He succeeded another long-standing Labour supporter – Alicia Kennedy, known as Baroness Kennedy of Cradley or Baroness Kennedy of Southwark.

Before 2023, Twomey was director of policy and communications at the National Youth Advocacy Service.

The Generation Rent advertisement for Twomey’s replacement says: “Do you want to lead the campaign to fix one of the biggest problems facing people in the UK? 

“Become the Chief Executive of Generation Rent to help improve millions of renters’ lives. 

“We’re looking for an experienced and compassionate individual to help us influence change and give renters a say in the decisions that shape their lives.”

It goes on: “You will work to achieve change across the four nations of the UK, leading a fast-paced team at a vital time for legislation and politics around renting. 

“You’ll have experience in navigating policies and laws, as well as the ability to be strategic, organised and persuasive when engaging with renters, politicians, the media, partners and funders. 

“Above all, you should share our belief that renting can, must and will get better.”