Baroness Fiona Twycross Named As Gambling Minister

The UK’s Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has unveiled its ministerial lineup, with a notable appointment of Baroness Fiona Twycross as the Minister for Gambling, coming as a surprise as Stephanie Peacock was expected to run the department as she was shadow minister.

Baroness Fiona Twycross, a member of the House of Lords since November 2022, her diverse background includes serving as London’s first Deputy Mayor for Fire and Resilience, appointed by Mayor Sadiq Khan in April 2018. Additionally, Twycross has worked extensively in the healthcare sector, having been associated with the charity Diabetes UK.

In her capacity as Minister for Gambling, Twycross will report directly to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy. Alongside Nandy, the DCMS ministerial team comprises Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Creative Industries, Arts, and Tourism, and Stephanie Peacock, Minister for Sport, Media, Civil Society and Youth.

While Twycross has been appointed as the Minister for Gambling, her responsibilities extend beyond this domain. As a Lords Minister, she will also oversee DCMS business in the House of Lords only as she is not a public voted for Member of Parliament.

The expected MP to oversee gambling, Stephanie Peacock will be responsible for addressing gambling-related matters in the House of Commons.

Twycross took to her X (formerly Twitter) account, stating, “Delighted to be part of a fabulous team supporting @lisanandy in @DCMS.” Her enthusiasm and dedication to the cause are evident, setting the stage for a proactive and collaborative approach to addressing the challenges faced by the gambling industry.