Oliver Dowden named culture secretary as Boris Johnson assembles new team

Oliver Dowden has been named the new culture secretary, with responsibility for both the racing and gambling industries, following prime minister Boris Johnson's wholesale cabinet reshuffle on Thursday.

Dowden, MP for Hertsmere in Hertfordshire, joins the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport having served as minister for the cabinet office and paymaster general since July, replacing Nicky Morgan to become the ninth culture secretary since 2010.

Leaving the DCMS is Helen Whately, who was directly responsible for racing and gambling. She has moved to the health department.

With no racecourses in his constituency, Dowden's previous involvement in racing has been fleeting. However, his appointment was welcomed by the Betting and Gaming Council.

Michael Dugher, chief executive of the council, said: "Oliver Dowden has a formidable reputation in Westminster and Whitehall and we look forward to working closely with the new secretary of state and the DCMS team as the government's review of the gambling act gets underway.

"The BGC is a new standards body, committed to making big changes, and we're determined to set the highest standards in betting and gaming to ensure a safe, fair and enjoyable place for the millions of people who enjoy a flutter.

"I'd also like to record my thanks to Nicky Morgan, who has done an excellent job in her time as secretary of state."

Following the shock resignation of chancellor Sajid Javid, racing has an ally in a key cabinet position after Rishi Sunak was announced as his successor.

Sunak, MP for Richmond in North Yorkshire which includes Catterick racecourse and Middleham training centre, has been an active supporter of the sport both locally and nationally.

Having backed the Levy reform in 2016, Sunak has also been involved in the Godolphin stud and stable staff awards and paid regular visits to Catterick during its £3.5m redevelopment.

Racing's regulators will also welcome the news of George Eustice's appointment as new secretary of state for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Eustice, who succeeds Theresa Villiers, supported BHA regulation when answering parliamentary questions on the use of the whip and equine welfare last month.

Matt Hancock, regarded as one of racing's most high-profile supporters in government and whose West Suffolk constituency includes Newmarket, has kept his role as health secretary in the reshuffle.

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