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UK MUSIC GETS
A NEW CHIEF

British Government lobbying body UK Music has appointed a new Chief Exec in Labour MP Michael Dugher. He replaces Jo Dipple, who announced her intention to step down from the post earlier this year. Alongside a passion for representing the interests of the working class, the outgoing politician has a penchant for Karaoke and The Beatles, FYI.

After taking up his role beginning in mid-May, Dugher will be the third chief exec of UK Music since it was launched in 2008. Dipple spent five years in the post.

First on Dugher’s agenda is ensuring the industry is protected during the Brexit process. Britain’s exit from the EU could result in higher tariffs on goods coming into the U.K. (which could be reflected in the price of vinyl and CDs) and higher priced digital products (that could include streaming subscriptions). In addition, it might be more expensive and complicated for British acts to organise tours around Europe and vice versa, according to this BBC article.

Dugher also said he’s prioritising safeguarding intellectual property, protecting venues, promoting new opportunities and broadening diversity in the sector.

Chairman Andy Heath described Dugher as “a first class and dynamic choice with a proven track record as a powerful supporter of British music—both the artists and commercial organisations.”

During his 20 years’ in leadership roles in government, Parliament and industry, Dugher has spent the last seven as MP for Barnsley East.

Towards the end of 2015 he spent four months as Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport before getting the boot by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (who’s since fallen out of public favour) after standing up for colleagues who were being “systematically trashed” in the media by people reportedly employed by Corbyn.

Before being elected to the House of Commons in 2010, Dugher spent eight years working in Whitehall in a variety of senior roles as a Special Advisor, including at Number 10 as chief political spokesman to the then Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

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