Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games chairman announced

Birmingham lawyer John Crabtree has been appointed chairman of the 2022 Commonwealth Games organising committee.

Crabtree is currently serving as the Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, the Queen’s representative in the region, and chairs the improvement panel overseeing Birmingham City Council’s performance.

Prime Minister Theresa May made the £20,000 a year appointment to ensure the Games are delivered on time and on budget.

Crabtree said: “I was thrilled to be selected for this role and to have the opportunity to be so directly involved in such a wonderful opportunity for the region.”

Cllr Ian Ward, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “If we are to gain the benefits for Birmingham that hosting the Commonwealth Games can bring, it is crucial we have senior leadership and oversight to steer the project successfully.

“John was an outstanding candidate for the role and demonstrated a clear understanding of what the city needs from the Games – along with a wealth of knowledge and experience that can be applied to the planning and delivery of a major international event.

“As the chair of the bid team that won the Games for Birmingham, I see this appointment as a passing of the baton as the Games Partners establish the eagerly-awaited Organising Committee to start the preparations for 2022 in earnest, and I look forward to working with John in the months and years to come.”