Nadine Dorries to lead DCMS as gambling judgements loom

PM Boris Johnson has called for a change of leadership at DCMS, appointing Nadine Dorries as new Culture Secretary, replacing Oliver Dowden.

Called to Number-10 this afternoon, Dorries the MP for Mid-Bedfordshire was confirmed as DCMS new leader, promoted from her previous role as Minister of Mental Health for the Department of Health and Social Care.

The Ministerial reshuffle, saw Dowden promoted to Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, replacing Amanda Milling who Johnson demoted from his senior cabinet.

Meanwhile, Dorries becomes the tenth MP to serve as Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport since 2010 under the Conservative government.

A senior minister since 2019, Dorries takes charge of overseeing DCMS crammed agenda, in which the department is scheduled to deliver headline reviews and judgements on reforming the BBC, digital rights, football governance and Ofcom leadership.

Overseeing UK gambling, DCMS continues its review of the 2005 Gambling Act, alongside the management of the Fourth Competition of the stewardship of the National Lottery.

DCMS gambling duties will be maintained by Data and Media Minister John Whittingdale who was appointed in March to oversee the handling of gambling’s generational reforms.

Though considered one of the Conservative Party’s most vocal ministers, little is known of Dorries opinions on the gambling sector.

Dorries last vote on gambling reforms was recorded in 2014, when she voted against giving local councils powers to prevent the proliferation of fixed odds betting terminals and betting shops.

As Mental Health Minister, Dorries replied to a query on gambling-related suicides stating that her department could make no assessment on the number of suicides linked to problem gambling in the UK due to unreliable evidence that gambling was the determining factor.