Shaun Davies MP has announced he will step down as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events, following his recent appointment as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey.
In a statement issued yesterday, Davies expressed his excitement at joining the Government while acknowledging the impact on his outside roles. “While I am very excited to be taking my first role in Government, and supporting its work, this does unfortunately mean that due to strict rules regarding activities outside of Government, I can no longer hold officer roles in All-Party Parliamentary Groups,” he said. “Therefore, and with much regret, I will be standing down as Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events with immediate effect.”
Davies reflected on the timing of his departure, noting that it comes shortly after the APPG published its Plan of Work and Calendar of Activity. “I am very sorry to be leaving this role at such an important time, after just publishing our Plan of Work and Calendar of Activity, and at a time of some uncertainty, with recent changes at both the official and ministerial levels,” he said.
Despite stepping down, Davies expressed confidence in the group’s continued progress: “I know that with the assistance of our Secretariat, Davies Tanner and advice from The Business of Events, and with the continued support of our Parliamentary Members and Vice Chairs, and that of our Corporate Partners, that the APPG will continue to represent this important and world-leading sector in Parliament with unrelenting enthusiasm and dedication.”
Highlighting the achievements of the past year, Davies said he was proud of the APPG’s rapid re-establishment following last year’s General Election. “Together, we have made great progress in helping to unlock the potential of this incredibly important industry, and it’s been a real pleasure to meet with so many people and organisations during the past year,” he added.
He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to represent the events sector in Parliament and affirmed his continued commitment: “There is no doubt that the last year has been a learning experience for me personally, and I do hope that I have been a suitable voice and representative for the events industry in Parliament. I will continue to champion the value of the sector both as an MP, and now within Government, at every opportunity.”
Davies confirmed that he will work with the APPG’s secretariat, Davies Tanner, over the coming days to begin the process of electing a new Chair, with updates to follow. He concluded his statement by thanking supporters and reiterating his ongoing interest in the sector: “My interest in and recognition of the industry, together with my own constituency links to it, endure and I will continue to take a keen interest and remain a strong advocate and supporter.”
