Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe has announced that Paul Lee is to replace Robert Hughes as the new chair of the Horserace Betting Levy Board from 1 October.

The Levy Board is responsible for raising money through a statutory levy imposed on UK bookmakers in order to fund improvements in horse racing and advances in veterinary science. Lee - a board member at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) - has been appointed on a four-year term to succeed Hughes, the board's existing chair, who is stepping down from the position after an 11-year tenure.

Sutcliffe said: "Lee has significant expertise in law and business that will prove invaluable during this important period for the Levy Board. The fact that he does not have any allegiances to bookmakers or racing should strengthen his ability to act as a mediator between both sides."