The UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sports has named Helen Whately as its minister overseeing gambling in the country. The appointment came after the Conservative government reshuffled departments and personnel after 21 MPs were expelled and senior cabinet members resigned in the wake of opposition to the party’s stance over Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Brexit strategy.
According to SBC News, Whately replaced Rebecca Pow, who was appointed as gambling minister last July as Johnson took office. Pow was expected to join the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
For the UK gambling sector, Whately marks the third ministerial appointment in less than a year, following the resignation of former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch in protest of the UK Treasury attempting to delay the enforcement of certain machines.
Crouch’s resignation opened the door for Mims Davies to be appointed UK Sports Minister serving under Theresa May’s premiership.
Despite the government’s upheaval, the committee Whately oversees has maintained its leadership structure with Nicky Morgan serving as the department’s Secretary. Nigel Adams remained Sports Minister.
