The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport is delighted
to announce the appointment of as the government's Music
Champion. The Music Champion will support the government's new
Plan for Music (Turn it Up: Our Plan for
Music), and act as an advocate for the sector. Commencing on
13 July 2026, this will be a year-long unremunerated appointment,
with the opportunity for extension at the end of the term.
A lifelong music fan and campaigner, Michael will bring a wealth
of knowledge to the role, with over three decades working in
leadership roles across both government and industry. Michael was
a Member of Parliament from 2010-2017, during which time he held
a number of senior positions including as Shadow Secretary of
State for Culture, Media & Sport. Prior to this, he held
multiple senior roles in government as a special advisor,
including as Chief Political Spokesman for the then-Prime
Minister, .
After standing down from Parliament, Michael became the CEO of UK
Music, where he spent three years working with a wide range of
organisations to represent, support and advocate for the sector.
Michael was also a member of the Creative Industries Council. In
2018, in recognition for his services to music, he was awarded a
Fellowship at the Leeds Conservatoire (formerly the Leeds College
of Music). Michael was also previously a Board member for the
Ivors Academy Trust.
In this new role, Michael will act as a conduit between
government and the sector to increase the reach of the
government's new Plan for Music, and identify further
opportunities to support and grow the sector.
