The UK General Election on July 4th saw seismic changes in government, with the Labour Party securing an 181-seat majority after 14 years of Conservative rule. Sir Kier Starmer, the country’s new Prime Minister, has announced his first cabinet. Lisa Nandy, the MP for Wigan since 2010, has been appointed as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, which means she will now oversee the Gambling sector in the country.
Gambling Minister Pending
The Department for Culture, Media, and Sport has a wide remit that includes the gambling industry. Because the department is focused on so many different aspects of sports and culture, a Gambling Minister has typically been appointed to provide a specific focus on the industry. Though considered a junior role within the department, this role is of the utmost importance in shaping the future of the gambling sector.
Under the Conservative government, Stuart Andrew was the Gambling Minister, fulfilling the role under both Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak and overseeing the publication of the UK Gambling White Paper in May 2023.
During this time, Stephanie Peacock, Labour MP for Barnsley South, was the acting Shadow Gambling Minister. However, it remains to be seen whether Peacock will be handed the position now Labour is in power, with a big reshuffle within the party.
Great News
Nandy’s appointment has been met with praise in the industry. Micheal Duger, the former Labour MP who is now chair of the Betting and Gaming Council, spoke highly of Lisa Nandy, saying that it was great news she has been appointed in the role, describing her as passionate and principled.
The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC), the organisation tasked with regulating gambling in the country, extended a warm welcome to Nandy on X, posting, “Welcome
Lisa Nandy, who we look forward to working with as Secretary of State for
DCMS. As KeirStarmer appoints his team, we'll welcome our incoming ministers and work closely with them in the coming months and years to make gambling safer, fairer and crime-free in Britain.
It is unclear yet what impact the new Labour government will have on the gambling industry, as no major shake-ups or policies have been announced to date.
