Mims Davies named as new UK Sports Minister

Mims Davies has been appointed as Tracey Crouch’s replacement as UK Sports Minister, with responsibility for gambling matters.

Crouch resigned last Friday in response to the Budget, in which it was announced that changes to the maximum stake on FOBTs would only be introduced in October 2019. Crouch, who had held the post within the Department for Culture, Media and Sport for three years, had hoped the reduction to £2 would be implemented six months earlier, in April.

The FOBT changes and the introduction of a new higher rate of Remote Gaming Duty were revealed by Chancellor Philip Hammond in last week’s Budget, but Davies will now take responsibility for their implementation over the next 12 months.

Davies, 43, entered Parliament in 2015 when she became the Conservative MP for Eastleigh. She previously worked as a local radio presenter and in communications for organisations including the AA, the BBC and the police.

Davies was appointed an Assistant Government Whip on in January 2018 and subsequently to the role of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Wales in July.

As well as gambling, horseracing, sport and the national lottery, the Minister for Sport and Civil Society brief includes the voluntary sector and cross-government work on loneliness.

Crouch tweeted: “Congratulations Mims Davies! You'll be brilliant and I know the fantastic team at the DCMS will look after you well. Enjoy!”

Following her appointment, Davies tweeted: “New challenges await, thank you Theresa May. A proud day – can’t wait to get started.”