Former MP Sir Philip Davies appointed British greyhound board chair

Former MP Sir Philip Davies has been announced as the new chair of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB).

Davies will take over as chair on 1 September, replacing the outgoing Jeremy Cooper, who had been in the role since June 2018.

Davies served as the Conservative MP for Shipley between 2005 and 2024 and, during his time in government, he was a consistent advocate of gambling in the UK, sitting on the Culture, Media and Sports Select Committee.

After being ousted as Shipley’s MP in last year’s general election, Davies succeeded Russ Wiseman as the chairman of Star Sports Group of Companies.

Davies is “honoured” by his appointment as GBGB chair, stating horse racing has played a key part in his life since his childhood, when his mother ran a Doncaster betting shop.

“The sport has a very bright future ahead and I would like to thank the GBGB board for putting their faith in me,” Davies said. “I look forward to working with tracks, owners, trainers and our wider stakeholders as we safeguard the future of our sport and ensure it thrives for many years to come.”

Davies also thanked Cooper for his GBGB leadership over his seven years in charge, with the outgoing chair confident his replacement will continue his work in supporting the greyhound racing sector.

“Throughout the appointment process, Sir Philip showed himself to be a fervent supporter of licensed greyhound racing,” Cooper explained. “I know that this appointment will be welcomed across the licensed racing community and I wish Sir Philip all the very best as he begins his tenure.”

Mark Bird to continue as GBGB CEO

Alongside Davies’ appointment, the GBGB also confirmed current CEO Mark Bird will remain in his role for a further two years, despite previously announcing his intention to retire this year.

On 3 January, the GBGB released a statement saying Bird would retire in April after seven years at the helm.

However, the GBGB has invited Bird to continue as CEO, an invitation he has accepted.

Davies is “very pleased” Bird has decided to stay on, saying: “He is much respected across the sport and by our many stakeholders in government and the betting industry. 

“I look forward to working with Mark as we continue the work he and the rest of the board have begun.”

Bird added: “This is an important and exciting time for GBGB and licensed racing and it is vital that there is as much stability and continuity as possible within the organisation.”

“Securing long-term, sustainable funding from the betting industry remains a priority and I am confident that under Sir Philip’s leadership we can make significant progress together.”

The future of greyhound racing in the UK

Doubt was cast over the future of greyhound racing in the UK earlier this year, when the Welsh government announced it was moving ahead with a ban on the sport “as soon as practically possible”.

The Betting and Gaming Council expressed it was “deeply disappointed” with the decision, while in May, the GBGB issued a claim for a judicial review into the move.

On 15 July, the Welsh government reaffirmed its intention to ban greyhound racing in its year three progress report for its Animal Welfare Plan.

Notably however, the UK government doesn’t appear to be following suit, with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy telling parliament there are “no plans” for a ban on greyhound racing across the rest of the UK.

Davies is hopeful of a bright future for the sport, saying: “Licensed greyhound racing is a fantastic sport which has held an important place in the fabric of our country for almost a century.

“I know just how important greyhound racing is to local communities and what an important contribution it makes – both economically and socially.”