Industry sources suggest Vicky Foxcroft MP is considered a frontrunner to take on the UK government’s gambling brief, with a final decision expected this week.
The MP for Lewisham North was among six junior ministers named for roles at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport during the latest reshuffle, alongside current gambling minister Baroness Fiona Twycross.
The actual portfolio assignments for each minister of state and parliamentary under-secretary position have not yet been formally announced, a situation understood to be common across government departments following reshuffles.
The news arrives during a turbulent period for the gambling sector, which has seen the industry and horse racing sector openly revolt against the Gambling Commission over its attempts to implement Financial Risk Assessments.
The Gambling Commission itself is currently being led on an interim basis, adding further uncertainty to an already unsettled regulatory landscape for operators and stakeholders alike.
The Betting and Gaming Council had intelligence it shared with some of its members identifying Foxcroft as a leading contender, though she has not previously been a vocal voice on gambling policy.
One observer noted her track record on the issue was “nothing to write home about,” reflecting the industry’s cautious attitude toward the reported frontrunner.
Public affairs teams across the sector have largely treated the rumour with scepticism, with many sources still considering Baroness Twycross remaining in post as the most likely outcome overall.
One industry source told NEXT.io: “That is the name people are saying, although it’s still not confirmed… but, genuinely, I’ve not got a clue.”
Stephanie Peacock, MP for Barnsley South, has also been touted as a possible candidate, having served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth since July 2024.
Peacock has been seen as close to former BGC CEO Michael Dugher, according to sources, making her another credible name circulating among those tracking the ministerial appointment process.
At least one major UK B2C operator said their internal thinking remained that Baroness Twycross would stay in post and potentially take on additional responsibilities beyond her current brief.
The BGC has itself emphasised uncertainty around the decision and previously indicated it also believed Twycross would remain in place following the reshuffle.
One gambling harms charity source said they respected the stability secretary of state Lisa Nandy has given to gambling policy, but expressed frustration with the current minister’s accessibility.
They said: “Baroness Twycross was impossible to engage with so we desperately need a more active and approachable minister.”
One practical argument for change is that Twycross’s position in the House of Lords has required Ian Murray MP to serve as the point man for gambling issues in the Commons, which sources described as a potentially inefficient arrangement.
Multiple industry sources told NEXT.io they expected the ministerial decision to land by the end of the week, though one cautioned they had previously anticipated an announcement on Monday.
With Prime Minister Andy Burnham managing a crowded agenda that includes the Iran War and a defence budget shortfall, how much priority gambling will receive remains uncertain.
His early decision to increase business rates on Adult Gaming Centres has already unsettled the industry, particularly given outstanding thinktank proposals to hike duty on Category B gaming machines.
Industry consultant Dan Waugh has warned that if approved, such measures could have damaging consequences far beyond Adult Gaming Centres, affecting betting shops and bingo halls across the country.
