A FORMER Bradford district MP has been appointed as chairman of a company which describes itself as the "UK's leading luxury bookmaker".

Star Sports has appointed Sir Philip Davies to the top role.

Sir Philip, who held his Shipley seat for the Conservatives from 2005 until the General Election earlier this year, takes over the post from previous chairman Russ Wiseman, who stepped down for personal reasons.

On his appointment, Sir Philip said: "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, founder of Star Sports, 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."

Mr Keith, founder of Star Sports, said: "We are delighted to be announcing Philip as our new chairman.

"He has a wealth of experience and is a valuable addition to our senior management team.

"We look forward to learning from him over the coming years."

He added: "I want to thank Russ Wiseman for all the personal and professional support he has provided us over the last two years and totally respect his decision to stand down, wishing him a speedy return to good health.

"I look forward to continuing mine and Star's effective working relationship with Russ in 2025."

Labour's Anna Dixon won the Shipley constituency from Sir Philip in the General Election on July 4.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus after his election defeat, he said: "I take full responsibility for - I'm not going to blame anybody else.

"I congratulate Anna."

Before the election, it emerged Sir Philip had placed a bet that he would lose his seat.

He said at the time: "What I've done isn't against any rules, it's not against the law - it's a perfectly acceptable thing to do.

"If Parliament wants to pass a law saying candidates can't bet in elections, then that's fine, and obviously I'd abide by it. 

"But such a law doesn't exist currently."

Sir Philip was knighted by Princess Anne at Windsor Castle in October.