Ex-MP Davies Joins Star Sports As Chair, Russ Wiseman Praised
Star Sports has a new chairman, with Russ Wiseman resigning from the role due to personal reasons. His replacement will be Sir Philip Davies, the former Conservative MP for Shipley.
Wiseman Thanked By Star Sports Founder
Wiseman had only been chair of Star Sports for a relatively short period of time, with the company’s founder, Ben Keith, praising his efforts.
He said in a statement from the company: “I want to thank Russ Wiseman for all the personal and professional support he has provided us over the last two years and totally respect his decision to stand down, wishing him a speedy return to good health.”
“I look forward to continuing mine and Star’s effective working relationship with Russ in 2025.”
The door is, therefore, open for Wiseman to return to Star Sports at some point in the future, but for now the role of chair will be filled by Sir Philip.
Keith added: “We are delighted to be announcing Philip as our new chairman. He has a wealth of experience and is a valuable addition to our senior management team. We look forward to learning from him over the coming years.”
Davies Delighted
Sir Philip has a betting background as he began his career working in the family betting shop, Marilyn Davies Bookmakers.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining Star Sports at such an exciting time in the company’s history. I have been lucky enough to get to know Ben [Keith] over the last few years, and I have huge admiration for the business that he has built.”
“Not many know that I started my working life in my mother’s betting shop, so the industry is very much in my blood”
“I’m hugely looking forward to working closely with Ben and his management team to fulfil the group’s growth strategy and commitment to operating responsibly.”
Controversial Figure
Sir Philip was first elected as the Member of Parliament for the West Yorkshire seat of Shipley in 2005 but he lost his seat in this year’s election, being succeeded by Labour’s Anna Dixon.
He made headlines for placing a bet of thousands of pounds on himself to lose the seat, becoming a part of the general election betting scandal.
Sir Philip also placed a bet on his wife, the former television presenter Esther McVey, winning her Tatton seat in Cheshire.
McVey was able to retain the seat, albeit with a vastly reduced majority from the previous election, so that bet also won.
He told the media: “If anyone’s alleging I’ve done anything illegal, they’re very welcome to allege it, but I’m afraid I haven’t.”
Sir Philip has also been widely criticised for using filibuster tactics during Parliament debates.
