PRESS RELEASE : John Procter reappointed as Chair of the Royal Armouries [September 2023]

The press release issued by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on 21 September 2023.

The Secretary of State has reappointed John Procter as Chair of the Royal Armouries for a second term of four years.

John Procter

Reappointed for a four year term commencing 02 November 2023.

John Procter is an experienced and highly accomplished professional with a 30-year record of successful business leadership and public service. John is Managing Director of a national Optical business. He served with distinction as Chair of Leeds Grand Theatre,  a member of the Yorkshire Regional Arts Council for England (2008-2010) and a board member of Northern Ballet (since 2008).

John was a Leeds City Councillor for 26 years, and as cabinet member for Culture, Leisure and Sport, led the development of the Leeds City Museum. He was a Member of The European Parliament representing the Yorkshire and Humber Region up to July 2019, serving as the U.K. Conservative Spokesman on Culture, Education and Sport.

He is married with two children and has now retired from Politics. John became Chairman of the Royal Armouries in November 2019.

Remuneration and Governance Code

The Chair of the Royal Armouries is not remunerated. This appointment has been made in accordance with the Cabinet Office’s Governance Code on Public Appointments. The appointments process is regulated by the Commissioner for Public Appointments. Under the Code, any significant political activity undertaken by an appointee in the last five years must be declared. This is defined as including holding office, public speaking, making a recordable donation, or candidature for election. John Procter has declared he obtained office as a Member of the European Parliament, stepping down in July 2019 and previously canvassed on behalf of the Conservative Party. He has since retired from politics.