Chris Heaton-Harris MP is to be the new chair of trustees for Northampton Theatres Trust, the charity which runs the town’s Royal and Derngate theatres.
Currently the MP for Daventry and previously a Euro MP for the East Midlands, Heaton-Harris is vice-chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Dance.
Peter Knott, director, Arts Council England, said, “we welcome Chris’s appointment. He brings with him a wealth of experience in both the public and private sector.”
Chris Heaton-Harris commented, "I'm very much looking forward to working with the management, staff and other board members at Royal and Derngate, and helping this wonderful theatre continue to thrive as a cultural and artistic hub for the county and beyond."
He takes over from Paul Southworth who is stepping down after six years as chair and more than 20 years’ involvement with the theatres.
Heaton-Harris will take up his voluntary position from the end of May.