The chief executive of Travelodge, Jo Boydell, has stepped down from her role as the hotel chain confronts significant safety concerns, amplified by a sexual assault at one of its establishments. The departure comes as the company undertakes a review of its security measures.

The incident that brought these issues to the forefront occurred in December 2022, when a woman staying at a Travelodge in Maidenhead was sexually assaulted. The perpetrator, Kyran Smith, gained access to her room by deceiving staff into issuing him a key card. Smith was subsequently sentenced to over seven years in prison for the attack.

Following this case, numerous individuals have come forward to the BBC, reporting various room security incidents at Travelodge hotels. Boydell herself faced criticism for the company's response to safety issues. She stated that she was unaware of the Maidenhead assault until the court proceedings nearly three years later, though it later emerged that the victim had emailed her directly about the incident shortly after it happened.

In January 2023, one month after the assault, the victim sent an email to Boydell. Responding to questions about this communication, Boydell acknowledged that the matter "had been handled on my behalf" and admitted to "serious failures." This admission underscores a perceived disconnect between the executive leadership and the direct experiences of guests.

Further compounding the concerns, a domestic violence victim recounted to the BBC how she was attacked in her hotel room after Travelodge reception staff provided a key card to her abuser. She described the experience as one of the "most traumatic nights" of her life, detailing how her abuser kicked the door off its hinges. When she sought help, she was offered a different room within the same hotel.

Other incidents include a couple in Scotland finding a shirtless man in their room after he was mistakenly given their key card. Additionally, a group of guests at a Newham, east London branch reported being given keys to other occupied rooms on two separate occasions within a single week.

Freddie van Mierlo, the Liberal Democrat MP for Thame, where Travelodge's headquarters are located, has previously called for Boydell's resignation and expressed satisfaction with her departure. He attributed the security issues to the company's "business model," suggesting that "deep cuts" to reduce costs have compromised guest safety. Van Mierlo urged investors to provide capital for substantial improvements.

Government attention was drawn to Travelodge's security issues earlier this year. In March, then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer formally urged Boydell to address the security concerns with the government. An independent review into the security protocols at the hotel chain is currently underway, led by barrister Paul Greaney KC. Travelodge has also announced several new security measures, including a partnership focused on combating violence against women and girls.