As a former cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport and the UK spokesperson for Culture, Education and Sport at the European Parliament, John is a champion of arts and culture at a regional, national and international level.
John was appointed Chair of the Royal Armouries in 2019 and since then has guided the organisation through a global pandemic and a cost of living crisis, providing strategic direction in shaping the Masterplan projects for the three Royal Armouries sites – Leeds, Fort Nelson and the Tower of London.
Prior to his role at the Royal Armouries, John served with distinction as the Chair of Leeds Grand Theatre, was a member of the Yorkshire Regional Arts Council for England and was also a board member of Northern Ballet. John was also instrumental in the redevelopment of and opening of Leeds City Museum in 2008, originally opened as a collection to the public in 1821 by the Leeds Philosophical and Literary Society.
John commented ‘I'm thrilled to have been reappointed as Chair of the Royal Armouries for a second term. I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees and the Executive Board at the Royal Armouries to deliver the Masterplan for all sites that will increase visitor numbers and transform the experience for audiences.’