New PM Truss names Michelle Donelan as Culture Secretary

Donelan was appointed yesterday (6 September), joining Truss’ newly established cabinet.

Donelan replaces Nadine Dorries, who stepped down yesterday after serving as Culture Secretary since September 2021.

In her new role Donelan will be tasked with leading the government’s review into the 2005 Gambling Act.

Although there have been numerous delays, a white paper outlining how the government will tackle industry reform is expected to be released in the “coming weeks”.

The most recent delay occurred after outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson announced his resignation in July.

Previously, Donelan held the role of Secretary of State for Education from 5 July to 7 July 2022 and Minister of State for Higher and Further Education from 15 September 2021 to 5 July 2022.

Today Michael Dugher, chief executive of the Betting and Gaming Council, congratulated Donelan on her new role, adding that the body wished to continue working closely with the DCMS.

“On behalf of the 119,000 people whose jobs are supported by our members – from the high street to hospitality, from tourism to tech – I’d like to congratulate Michelle Donelan on her new role as Secretary of State for DCMS,” said Dugher.

“We have been working extremely closely with the DCMS over many years to help the government find the right balance in the Gambling Review, so that we continue to drive big changes and higher standards on safer gambling to better protect the most vulnerable, while at the same time ensuring that the millions of people who enjoy an occasional flutter perfectly safely and responsibly have the freedom to do so.”