Nigel Huddleston named new minister for sport following government reshuffle

Nigel Huddleston, the new minister for sport, tourism and heritage, has in the past backed the BHA's position on the use of the whip in horseracing and supported the government's Gambling Review which led to FOBT stakes reduction.

The Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire was appointed to the position following prime minister Boris Johnson's reshuffle, and will have responsibility for racing as well as gambling and lotteries.

He is the fourth sports minister in the last 16 months in a department, which is now headed by culture secretary Oliver Dowden.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) confirmed its ministerial team and their duties on Monday, bringing together sport, gambling and lotteries which had previously been split between Nigel Adams and Helen Whateley.

In the past Huddleston has backed the BHA's position on the use of the whip in horseracing, and showed his support in response to a question posted on his website, where he said he appreciated "concern for the welfare of horses, and I share it".

However, he added he believed the "provisions of the 2006 [Animal Welfare] Act, coupled with the BHA’s rules on the use of the whip, provide adequate protection for racehorses".

In 2017, Huddleston said he believed the government's Gambling Review, which led to FOBT stakes being reduced to £2 from £100, meant the "addictive and socially damaging impacts of gambling are being addressed at the same time as striking the right balance with responsible growth and a thriving sector".

Huddleston supported the government's Gambling Review, which led to FOBT stakes being reduced to £2

Former Labour MP Michael Dugher, the chief executive of industry standards body the Betting And Gaming Council, congratulated Huddleston on his appointment.

He said: "I know how hugely respected he is in parliament and he brings a wealth of experience to the role, both from his time in the tourism industry and his previous role in DCMS.

"Our members have demonstrated their willingness to address concerns through the introduction of a 'whistle-to-whistle' ban on advertising during sport; substantially increasing funding for research, education and treatment; new ID and age-verification checks; ending exclusive rights to screen FA Cup games and a ban on betting with credit cards.

"We are determined to drive big changes across the betting and gaming industry to deliver the highest standards in the world, and I’m looking forward to supporting Nigel in the government’s review of the Gambling Act."

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