James Sherwin-Smith, a 45-year-old member from West Sussex, has achieved the necessary support to be included in the ballot for a board position at Nationwide Building Society during its annual general meeting (AGM) on July 15. This marks a significant moment as it would be the first time in 24 years that a customer, known as a member, could serve on the board. The last member to hold a board position retired in 2002. Sherwin-Smith secured 256 nominations, surpassing the required 250 to run alongside existing directors. He has voiced concerns regarding the society's governance, particularly following its £2.9 billion acquisition of Virgin Money in 2024, which did not involve a member vote. Additionally, he criticized the lack of member input on the 43% pay rise for the chief executive, Debbie Crosbie, which raised her compensation to £7 million. Sherwin-Smith aims to ensure that members have a fair opportunity to influence board representation. Nationwide, with 17 million members and over £377 billion in assets, is currently evaluating whether to recommend his election, which could impact his chances of securing a board seat.