MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
Davies’ career reflects a blend of public service and private sector engagement, underpinned by his connection to the gambling world. From his early days in retail and family bookmaking, to his parliamentary career, and now his leadership role in the betting industry, Davies has shown an ability to adapt and leverage his diverse experiences.
His recent appointment to the role of Chairman at Star Sports Group represents not just a career shift, but a culmination of his lifelong connection to the betting world – a role that sees him bringing a unique combination of political acumen, industry knowledge and a personal understanding of the gambling sector.
EMPLOYMENT
Davies began his career at Asda, where he spent 12 years progressing from customer services to a senior marketing manager role. During this early period, he also gained experience in his family business, working at Marilyn Davies Bookmakers and Mark Jarvis Bookmakers, which would prove significant in his future career.
Davies entered politics in 2001, unsuccessfully contesting the Colne Valley constituency as a Conservative candidate. His political breakthrough came in 2005, however, when he was elected MP for Shipley, winning with 39% of the vote and beginning a parliamentary career that would span nearly two decades.
A backbencher by choice, Davies developed a reputation as one of the Conservative Party’s most rebellious MPs. His maiden speech in June 2005 reflected his commitment to representing his constituents and his intention to steer clear of ministerial ambitions, focusing instead on backbench independence.
Re-elected in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2019, Davies consistently increased his share of the vote while maintaining a strong presence in parliamentary committees. He also served on the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee and the Speaker's Panel, often advocating on issues related to his constituency and industry interests. Additionally, in 2020 Davies became a Vice-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Whistleblowing.
Davies’ relationship with the gambling industry deepened during his time in Parliament, where he chaired the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Betting and Gaming. This role, combined with his past as a bookmaker, positioned him as a key figure in discussions surrounding the sector.
The intersection of his political career and gambling interests sometimes drew scrutiny, however, particularly in 2024 when he became embroiled in a betting scandal during the UK General Election that saw Davies placing bets against his own re-election in Shipley. Despite this controversy, his ties to the industry remained strong.
Following his defeat in the 2024 general election, Davies transitioned to the private sector, bringing his expertise to the Star Sports Group as Chairman. Commenting on his appointment, Davies expressed enthusiasm for his new role, stating:
“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 (Marilyn Davies Bookmakers), 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.” Philip Davies
