Former gambling minister Stuart Andrew named shadow culture secretary by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch

Stuart Andrew, the minister responsible for sport and gambling under the last government, has returned to familiar ground as new Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch finalised her shadow cabinet on Tuesday.

Andrew, who was parliamentary under-secretary of state for sport, gambling and civil society from September 2022 until this summer's general election, has been named as shadow culture secretary.

During his time as minister, Andrew oversaw the publication of the government's long-delayed gambling white paper in April last year, which included controversial proposals for affordability checks.

He had also engaged in talks with the betting and racing industries over levy reform, which were said to be close to a deal before they collapsed following Rishi Sunak's decision to call a snap election this summer.

Many of the proposals contained in the white paper have been put on hold since the election, while levy talks have yet to resume.

Andrew, who had been opposition chief whip following the election, told the Racing Post he was delighted to have returned to culture, media and sport, saying it was a role he had "really enjoyed" in government.

He added: "I am going to be actively engaging with stakeholders and get an update on the latest position from them on what their thoughts and concerns are.

"My job is just to make sure that I highlight on behalf of stakeholders their concerns, try to ascertain from government what their timetable is and get an update on what their direction of policy is so we can bring about some certainty for the sector."

The Betting and Gaming Council welcomed Andrew to his post on X, formerly Twitter, adding: "Stuart is a hugely experienced and respected politician, who knows our sector well."

A number of Andrew's predecessors as sports and gambling minister have also been given places in the shadow cabinet.

Chris Philp becomes shadow home secretary, Mims Davies is the new shadow Welsh secretary, while Nigel Huddleston has been named as co-chair of the Conservative Party. Racing fan Priti Patel has been appointed shadow foreign secretary.

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Gambling minister Stuart Andrew: affordability debate at Westminster 'an important opportunity' 

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