Dugher has lots of work to do to gain traction with most trenchant critics
Michael Dugher is an eyecatching choice as the first chief executive of the Betting and Gambling Council but he looks to have work to do to win over old friends and foes alike.
The former Labour MP for Barnsley is no stranger to the gambling industry and evidently likes a bet himself, having been a regular visitor to the racecourse. He was also shadow culture spokesman for a time, a beat which includes the gambling sector.
His appointment won the endorsement of outgoing Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, who described it as an "important and smart hire" by the new industry trade body.
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