Overview

• Allen formally started on September 1 after a three‑month delay, having made his appointment conditional on changes to racing’s governance and a move to a fully independent board.
• The BHA has begun a transition toward a single independent board and unified executive, launching a nominations and ratification phase for the new structure.
• Immediate policy priorities include lobbying the Treasury on gambling‑tax harmonisation, scrutinising the Gambling Commission’s affordability‑check pilot, and stabilising levy and funding.
• Industry figures broadly welcomed his arrival for leadership and Westminster access, while warning about shrinking crowds, sliding betting turnover and entrenched divisions.
• Allen brings Labour links considered useful for Westminster engagement, he is contracted for one day a week at the BHA, and he has said the sport "has a strong future."