Davis drops out of RIBA presidency race

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Paul Davis has dropped out of the race to become the next RIBA president – leaving just two candidates vying for the position.

The head of London-based practice Paul Davis & Partners said he had reconsidered standing after a meeting with current president Sunand Prasad and later decided the role would be 'too much of a commitment'.

The shock move means Andrew Hanson and Ruth Reed are the only remaining names to have officially thrown their hat into the ring to replace current RIBA figurehead Prasad.

Speaking to the AJ, Davis said: '[The RIBA presidency] is a huge commitment. The practice is very busy with some major projects and my first loyalty is to the practice and to those projects and clients.'

Davis admitted he would now be standing for the RIBA's national council instead.

He added: 'To do the job would be pretty much a full-time exercise – but I have been flattered by the support I have had. '

Presidential candidate Andrew Hanson said: 'It's a huge undertaking and this adds to the call for it becoming a paid role. Only a very small amount of people are willing to give up a huge part of their time.'

On hearing the news, candidate Reed said: '[Despite the withdrawl] There is still a contest which is good for the institute.'