News

The former Conservative leader and current MP for Folkestone and Hythe Michael Howard has been appointed as chairman of the racecourse group Northern Racing, it was announced today.

The company, which owns nine racecourses, said Howard's experience in a wide range of activities and businesses would be "invaluable" to it.

Howard was given the non-executive chairmanship having already spent four months on the board of Northern Racing as a non-executive director.

The MP for Folkestone and Hythe, who led the Tories from 2003 until the 2005 election, which he lost, is said to be a fan of the sport. He is a member of Folkestone racecourse.

Northern Racing would not say how much Howard would be paid. The MP lists four other paid directorships in the Commons directory of members' interests.

Northern Racing owns the racecourses at Newcastle, Sedgefield, Uttoxeter, Hereford, Chepstow, Bath, Great Yarmouth, Fontwell Park and Brighton.