Former MP Sir Philip Davies appointed British greyhound board chair
Summary
Sir Philip Davies will take over as chair of the Greyhound Board of Great Britain (GBGB) on 1 September, replacing Jeremy Cooper. Davies, a former Conservative MP for Shipley (2005–2024) and a long-time gambling advocate, recently became chairman of Star Sports Group and has been confirmed to lead GBGB.
The organisation also announced that CEO Mark Bird will remain in post for a further two years after earlier signalling his intention to retire. GBGB say this will help provide continuity while they pursue key priorities, including securing long-term funding from the betting industry.
The appointment arrives against a backdrop of regulatory pressure: the Welsh government is progressing plans to ban greyhound racing and GBGB has launched a judicial review, while the UK government has said there are no plans for a UK-wide ban. Davies said he is honoured to take the role and intends to work with tracks, owners, trainers, government and industry to safeguard the sport.
Source
Key Points
- • Sir Philip Davies will become GBGB chair on 1 September, succeeding Jeremy Cooper.
- • Davies is a former Conservative MP for Shipley (2005–2024) and has been an outspoken gambling advocate.
- • He recently took the chair at Star Sports Group and is described as a fervent supporter of licensed greyhound racing.
- • GBGB CEO Mark Bird has agreed to stay for two more years to ensure stability and continuity.
- • The sport faces a potential ban in Wales; GBGB has launched a judicial review while the UK government has said there are no plans for a UK-wide ban.
- • Securing long-term, sustainable funding from the betting industry is a stated priority under the new chair.
Why should I read this?
Quick take: new leadership at GBGB could steer the sport through a tricky patch. If you follow racing, betting or sports regulation, this matters — Davies brings political connections and industry experience, Mark Bird staying on buys time, and the Welsh ban fight means the sector’s future is still very much up for grabs. We read it so you don’t have to — the headline decisions and risks are all here.