Football Regulator Row

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has defended her handling of the appointment of David Kogan as chair of the new football regulator, following revelations about his donations to Labour.

Ms Nandy confirmed that Mr Kogan’s political contributions were discussed during his interview but said she had been unaware that he had personally donated to her 2020 leadership campaign. “It was discussed at the interview,” she told the BBC, “it just wasn’t discussed that he donated specifically to me because I didn’t know about that.”

An independent probe found Ms Nandy had “unknowingly” breached the code on public appointments by failing to declare two donations worth £2,900 from Mr Kogan, a media rights expert. She later apologised “unreservedly,” saying she would strengthen procedures to prevent similar issues in future.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said that while the process “was not entirely up to the standard expected,” Ms Nandy had “acted in good faith.”

However, Conservatives have urged the Government’s ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to open a fresh investigation. They argue the Prime Minister could also face a conflict of interest after receiving donations from Mr Kogan during last year’s election campaign.

Watchdog chief Sir William Shawcross has rebuked the Culture Department for overlooking David Kogan’s political ties — including over £33,000 in Labour Party donations revealed in recent years.

Despite the backlash, Ms Nandy insisted she took “full responsibility” for the process and rejected claims the episode undermines Labour’s commitment to integrity in public life.

Mr Kogan, for his part, said he had not been “aware of any deviation from best practice” and was ready to “draw a line under the process.”