Former Shadow Culture Secretary Tom Watson has joined UK Music as its new Chair, succeeding Andy Heath.

Watson, who stood down from Parliament in December 2019, said 'In ordinary times, the UK’s commercial music sector contributes £5.2bn to the UK economy and supports 190,000 jobs. The cancellation of live music events has devastated the sector. Thousands of jobs are now in peril and threaten the long-term bottom line of the UK economy', adding 'Our urgent task is to work with our colleagues and partners in Government to support the national effort to defeat coronavirus, whilst protecting the jewel in the crown of British culture - commercial music'.