**Star Sports** has announced that **Sir Philip Davies**, a former Member of Parliament, will take over as the new Chairman of the British betting enterprise, replacing Russ Wiseman.
Following his departure from the House of Commons, where he served as a Conservative Party MP for two decades, Davies will assume the role of Chairman for [Star Sports](http://starsports.bet/). His political career included representing the Shipley constituency in West Yorkshire through four general elections until he was succeeded by Labour’s Anna Dixon this summer.
Throughout his parliamentary tenure, Davies was known for his strong support of the gambling industry, emphasizing its importance as a significant employer in local areas and its contributions to the UK Racing’s rural network and traditions.
In discussions surrounding the Gambling Review’s White Paper, Davies opposed the introduction of £125 and £500 net-loss affordability checks. He labeled these measures as a [threat to UK Racing](https://sbcnews.co.uk/featurednews/2024/02/27/mps-debate-uk-checks-2024/), criticizing, “The proposals by the Gambling Commission are completely unacceptable.”
A proponent of the **TaxPayers’ Alliance** and **The Freedom Association**, Davies consistently advocated for classical liberal values in the Conservative Party, often challenging the policies and laws backed by party leaders and fellow MPs.
Davies expressed his enthusiasm for his new role at Star Sports, saying, “I am thrilled to be joining Star Sports at such an exhilarating time for the company. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ben [Keith] over the past few years, and I greatly admire the enterprise he has established.
“Not many people are aware that my career began in my mother’s betting shop (Marilyn Davies Bookmakers), so this industry has always been part of my life. I am eager to collaborate closely with Ben and his team to advance the group’s growth strategy while upholding its commitment to responsible operations.”
**Ben Keith**, the founder of Star Sports, conveyed his appreciation for Russ Wiseman’s service as the company’s inaugural Chairman: “I am grateful to Russ Wiseman for his personal and professional support over the past two years. I respect his decision to step down and wish him a swift recovery. We look forward to continuing our effective professional relationship with Russ in 2025.”
Keith continued, “We are pleased to welcome Philip as our new Chairman. His extensive experience is a tremendous asset to our senior management team, and we anticipate gaining valuable insights from him in the upcoming years.”
