IPSA appoints new Chief Executive

Date published: 10 July 2025

IPSA has appointed Karen Walker as its new Chief Executive. 

Karen is currently IPSA’s Director of MP Services, Strategy and Change, and will replace Ian Todd who steps down in October after five years in the role. 

Richard Lloyd, IPSA’s Chair, says: 

“I’m delighted to appoint Karen Walker to this position. Throughout her career she has demonstrated powerful leadership transforming service delivery across different sectors, and is the perfect candidate to lead IPSA through the next stage of its regulatory reform. 

“She will become the first female Chief Executive in IPSA’s history, and having worked with her since 2020 I know how passionate she is about helping to support MPs, their staff, and constituents. 

“I’d also like to thank Ian Todd for his service: he has led IPSA’s transformation, and guided the organisation through a once-in-a-generation change of Parliament in 2024. He leaves us with our very best wishes.” 

Karen Walker says: 

“I’m thrilled to become IPSA’s new Chief Executive and to lead the organisation through the next chapter of its ambitious development. 

“I welcome the opportunity to work with the Board and the team on the programme of change to deliver a high-quality, responsive service and a simpler regulatory framework, supporting MPs and their staff to serve Parliament and their constituents.” 

ENDS 

For more details, please contact IPSA's Press Office.

Notes to Editors 

  1. IPSA was created in 2009 by the Parliamentary Standards Act. The Act was amended in 2010 by the Constitutional Reform and Governance Act. Together they gave IPSA three main responsibilities: 

  • to regulate MPs’ business costs  

  • to determine MPs’ pay and pension arrangements  

  • to provide financial support to MPs in carrying out their parliamentary functions  

2. IPSA is independent of Parliament and the Government. This allows us to make decisions about the rules on business costs and on MPs’ pay ourselves, without interference. You can find out more about IPSA's role and responsibilities on our website.  

3. The Scheme of MPs’ Staffing and Business Costs (‘the Scheme’) governs what MPs can and cannot claim. We review our rules regularly and consult the public when we do so.