Shaun Davies MP has stepped down as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events following his appointment as parliamentary private secretary (PPS) to the defence secretary, John Healey.
Davies said his decision was due to strict rules regarding activities outside of Government.
He said: “Yesterday, Wednesday 10th September 2025, I was appointed to the role of parliamentary private secretary to the secretary of state for defence, John Healey,” he said.
“While I am very excited to be taking my first role in government, and supporting its work, this does unfortunately mean that due to strict rules regarding activities outside of government, I can no longer hold officer roles in All-Party Parliamentary Groups. Therefore, and with much regret, I will be standing down as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Events with immediate effect.”
Davies said he was “very sorry” to be leaving at what he described as “such an important time” for the group, following the recent publication of its plan of work and calendar of activity and amid “uncertainty” following changes at both ministerial and official levels.
He paid tribute to the APPG’s secretariat, Davies Tanner, and its strategic advisor The Business of Events, along with parliamentary members, vice chairs and corporate partners, saying he was confident the group would “continue to represent this important and world leading sector in Parliament with unrelenting enthusiasm and dedication.”
Reflecting on his year as chair, Davies added: “I am proud that we were able to re-establish the APPG so quickly after last year’s general election, and feel that, together, we have made great progress in helping to unlock the potential of this incredibly important industry. It’s been a real pleasure to meet with so many people and organisations during the past year.”
He said the role had been a personal learning experience and hoped he had been “a suitable voice and representative for the events industry in Parliament.”
Although stepping down as chair, Davies pledged to continue championing the industry in his capacity as MP and in his new government role. He confirmed he would work with Davies Tanner in the coming days to begin the process of electing a new chair.
“My interest in and recognition of the industry, together with my own constituency links to it, endure and I will continue to take a keen interest and remain a strong advocate and supporter,” he said.
