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Helen Grant named new sports minister

ESPN staff
October 7, 2013
Helen Grant was an under-16 junior judo champion © Getty Images
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Conservative MP and former junior judo champion Helen Grant has taken over Hugh Robertson as sports minister.

Grant became under-16 judo champion in the north of England and south of Scotland and also represented Cumbria in hockey, tennis and athletics. The 52-year-old is a qualified solicitor and has previously worked at the Ministry of Justice.

Robertson was sports minister for three years after taking the position when the Coalition government came into power in May 2010, but has now left the post to join the Foreign Office.

"Hugh leaves behind a strong legacy from the outstanding success of London 2012," UK Sport chairman Rod Carr said.

"We look forward to working closely with new Sport and Equalities Minister Helen Grant as we move towards the Sochi Winter Olympics and Rio 2016."

Outgoing Robertson said: "It has been a genuine privilege to have been involved at such an exciting and successful time for sport in this country.

"I have loved every minute of it, with last year's Olympics and Paralympics being a particular highlight.

"I wish my successor Helen Grant in one of the best, if not the best, jobs in Government.''

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