Fiona Twycross Appointed as New Minister for Gambling

Dual Role Responsibilities

In addition to her duties as Minister for Gambling, Fiona Twycross will serve as a Lords Minister, managing DCMS business in the House of Lords. Stephanie Peacock, the Labour MP for Barnsley South, has been announced as the minister for sport, media, civil society, and youth and will handle gambling matters in the House of Commons.

Baroness Twycross has called on DCMS sectors to help contribute to the government’s national growth mission, bringing people together and improving living standards in more villages, towns, and cities. Baroness Twycross said: “I am delighted to be part of a fabulous team supporting Lisa Nandy in the DCMS.”

Industry Reactions

UK trade association Bacta has welcomed the appointment of Baroness Twycross as Gambling Minister and has extended an invitation for her to speak at its Annual Convention on 28 November at One Birdcage Walk, in the heart of Westminster.

Expanding on what came as a surprise appointment to many gambling industry stakeholders, Bacta President John Bollom said:

“Prime Minister Keir Starmer has brought into Government a series of highly qualified men and women from the House of Lords and placed them in every Department. Whilst Baroness Twycross does not have a track record in gambling policy, she is clearly smart and will likely be guided by the Labour Party Manifesto and Labour’s commitments in opposition to engage with the industry and complete the package of land-based gambling reforms contained in the White Paper.

“We have already written to the new Minister, who previously served as a Deputy London Mayor to Sadiq Khan, seeking an early meeting and inviting her to speak at the Bacta Convention on 28 November. We look forward to forging a close and constructive relationship”, he added.

QiH Group Supports Dedicated Gambling Minister

Andrew Lee, Chief Operating Officer at marketing affiliate QiH Group, commented on the move:

“While it was widely assumed that Stephanie Peacock, as part of her remit as DCMS Under Secretary, would be appointed Gambling Minister, it shows a true commitment to the sector that Lisa Nandy has chosen to appoint a minister solely responsible for the gambling sector. Particularly as we’re reaching a crucial part of the implementation of the Gambling White Paper at the end of August, it would be a shame to see whomever is in charge be unable to dedicate a good amount of time to the changes afoot in the industry.

“QiH Group wishes Baroness Twycross all the luck in her new role, and we look forward to seeing the good work the department does to keep the industry safe and compliant”, he emphasized.