Lisa Nandy is to retain her role at DCMS in Andy Burnham’s new cabinet. It’s a stability that will come as a bit of a laugh to all stakeholders. Having seen 9 secretaries of state in ten and a half years, DCMS serves as the solitary key department to see no change at the top. But there’s still the middle order to come as the ministerial levels await their fate. Baroness Twycross’ role still remains uncertain, the current Gambling Minister is reappointed to the DCMS, but the department portfolios have yet to be determined. So, we may still see the revolving door swing around as we wait on the decision for the ministerial office for gambling.
New PM Andy Burnham has confirmed Lisa Nandy will retain her role as secretary of state for DCMS, in a demonstration of stability welcomed by many in the gambling industry. However the impact of wider changes to the cabinet and below are yet to be felt.
Baroness Twycross’ position in the DCMS has been confirmed – as has her additional new duty as Parliamentary Secretary in the Cabinet Office. But her current post as Gambling Minister is still to be decided. The DCMS has advised that it is currently determining the departmental portfolios.
Bearing in mind Twycross currently shares her gambling role with other posts, commentators are already eyeing up possible successors. Calling in Gambling Minister number nine in only eight years, the two leading names emerging are Stephanie Peacock and Vicky Foxcroft.
The former knows the job well, having worked with the industry during Labour’s period in opposition. And all will be revealed in days.
In the meantime though, postings outside DCMS is where the industry will be casting its eye with some degree of concern.
That worry will be most felt at the appointment of incoming Chancellor John Healey who is unlikely to prove flexible on tax, although he has previously backed the sector’s charity work, while Yvette Cooper is expected to emerge as an influential voice on gambling as a public health issue as secretary for Health and Social Care.
The industry is keeping a close watch on developments, although the BGC were quick to respond. “Lisa Nandy’s reappointment provides an opportunity to build on the positive relationship we have developed since she first took office,” chief executive Grainne Hurst noted.
“She has consistently recognised the important contribution our regulated betting, casino and online sector makes to Britain’s economy.”
That said, the Gambling Act Review, the Gambling Commission fee increase, a stubborn resistance to a stakes and prize review and, in fairness, virtually every proposal put forward by the industry, suggests that Nandy’s “recognition” has still to deliver anything positive. And how likely that dial will shift is even less certain now given PM Burnham’s anti-AGC position.
Meanwhile at the Treasury, Healey has voted consistently for gambling regulation during his career, and though an overhaul of recent gambling-specific tax increases was considered unlikely, his appointment is seen by many as a clear statement of change from outgoing Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Long-term Labour bigwig Yvette Cooper is now secretary for Health and Social Care, and therefore could also emerge as an important figure in Burnham’s approach to gambling.
“This is particularly as voices within the DHSC become more vocal in their support for gambling to be treated as a public health issue,” reported SBC News.
Originally published on Coinslot on July 27, 2026. Republished with permission.