Department for Culture, Media and Sport
Culture Secretary Sajid Javid announces the appointment by the Prime Minister of Sir Peter Luff as the new Chair of the Board that runs both the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Sir Peter is appointed for a term of 3 years from 30 March 2015 to 29 March 2018.
Biographical details
Sir Peter Luff has been MP for Mid-Worcestershire, and previously for Worcester, since 1992 and is standing down at the 2015 General Election. Since 2013, he has been Commons Co-Chair of the Speakers Advisory Committee on the 800th anniversary Magna Carta and the 750th anniversary of the de Montfort Parliament.
He was Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology from 2010-2012, was Chair of two House of Commons Select Committees (Agriculture 1997-2000, and Business Innovation and Skills 2005-2010), and was knighted in 2014 for political and public service.
About National Heritage Memorial Fund (NHMF) and Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF)
The new Chair will lead the Board of Trustees that runs both NHMF and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Its role is to steer the policy and direction of the 2 Funds and take decisions on grant applications. NHMF, the nations grant-in-aid fund of last resort for heritage, and was set up in 1980, to save the most outstanding parts of our national heritage, in memory of those who have given their lives for the United Kingdom. In 1994, the NHMF and its Trustees took on the role of distributing the heritage share of Lottery money for good causes, which it now operates through the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Notes
This appointment is made in accordance with the Commissioner for Public Appointments Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies. The appointment is made on merit and political activity played no part in the selection process. However, in accordance with the Code, there is a requirement for an appointees political activity, if any declared, to be made public. Sir Peter Luff is currently a Conservative MP and has declared political activity on behalf of the Conservative Party. Sir Peter has indicated that he will waive his remuneration as Chair until after the General Election.