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Outgoing MP Michael Dugher to head up UK Music

By Andy Malt | Published on Friday 28 April 2017

Cross-sector trade group UK Music has announced outgoing MP and former Shadow Secretary of State For Culture, Media And Sport Michael Dugher as its new chief executive. He will replace Jo Dipple, who revealed back in January her plans to leave the trade body after five years in the top job.

Dugher, who has been Labour MP for Barnsley East since 2010, announced his intention to step down as a politician earlier this month. In a statement at the time, he said: “I have worked for the Labour movement for nearly all of the past 20 years. Throughout that time I have always tried to fight for a Labour party that is in touch with working class people and one that can get into government so we can actually do something to really help people. I wish the party and more importantly the people of Barnsley nothing but the best for the future”.

“There are always lots of reasons when you make any big decisions”, he added mysteriously. “It’s time now for me to make a difference in life outside of politics. It’s also time that I do what is best for my wife and children, whom I love with all my heart”.

Of course, as head of UK Music, with its lobbying role, he will continue to come into contact with politics and politicians on a regular basis, but he’ll also get to spend time trying to make all of the different music industry trade bodies agree with each other, which I’m sure will make a nice change.

No longer being coy about his future, Dugher shouted yesterday: “I’m THRILLED to have been appointed Chief Executive of UK Music. I have engaged with the organisation for several years and have seen it go from strength to strength thanks to its board, chairman Andy Heath and previous CEOs Feargal Sharkey and Jo Dipple. There is a great team at UK Music who do brilliant work and I’m really looking forward to working with them”.

He continued: “British music is a world-beating industry which brings huge economic benefits for our country. I am determined to work with all the individual members of UK Music – on the business and creator side – to ensure our industry is protected during the Brexit process and that we continue to thrive. Safeguarding intellectual property, protecting venues, promoting new opportunities and broadening diversity in the sector are all central to our work at UK Music”.

Quieting any doubters, he added: “Music has been a lifelong passion for me and I’m looking forward to helping make a real difference as UK Music’s new chief executive”.

The aforementioned Heath also commented: “Michael is a first class and dynamic choice with a proven track record as a powerful supporter of British music – both the artists and the commercial organisations. He knows the business and politics inside out. Jo has been a tireless champion for the music sector and has built an organisation which is now a powerful unified voice for the industry”.

Yeah. Unified. Anyway, Dugher will take up his new position in mid-May.