surprise announcement, Sarah Harrison has stepped down from her role as Chief Executive of the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC).

She will leave her position at the end of February 2018 and take up a new senior role within the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Commenting on the announcement, Chairman of the Commission Bill Moyes stated: “The Gambling Commission has set an ambitious agenda and clear priorities for treating customers fairly and making play safer and our new three-year strategy embeds this approach for the future.

“Sarah’s impact has been significant in shaping this direction of travel. I and my Board colleagues wish Sarah every success for the future and look forward to continuing to work with her to deliver this agenda over the next few months.”

Sarah Harrison stated: “I am proud of the work that all at the Commission have delivered together. I am very confident that as the Commission delivers its new strategy it will go from strength to strength and will continue to make gambling in Britain fairer and safer.”

Whilst the search for Harrison’s successor is already underway, Neil McArthur, the Commission’s Chief Counsel and Executive Director, will be appointed by the Commission as Acting Chief Executive with effect from 28 February 2018 until the permanent CEO fill the position.