Lord Barber to step down as Somerset CCC Chair
Michael Barber, now Lord Barber, will step down from his role as Chair of Somerset County Cricket Club with immediate effect.
He took on the role in 2022 following a thorough recruitment process, and during his time with the Club the Men’s team have lifted the Vitality Blast trophy on two occasions whilst the Club has also seen the introduction of a professional Women’s team.
Throughout his tenure he has worked closely with the Club’s Executive Board to ensure that Somerset CCC remains at the top table of the domestic game during a time of continued flux for the sport.
The founder and first head of the UK Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit, he was also the Founder and Chair of Delivery Associates, which has worked with government leaders across the developing and developed world to enable them to deliver their domestic policy priorities.
He received a knighthood in 2005 and was elevated to the House of Lord’s in January this year.
Regarding his decision, Lord Barber said: “My new responsibilities in the House of Lords make it impossible for me to carry on as Chair of Somerset Cricket – I simply won’t have the time that the task demands and deserves.
“I have loved every minute of my four years as Chair. I am glad to say the Board has never been stronger and we have a good succession plan in place. In Jamie Cox we have a fantastic CEO who leads a strong Executive Team.
“We have strong relationships in the region and with the ECB and finished last year with a budget in surplus and ambitious plans for the future. Our digital presence leads the way in cricket and our venue, the Cooper’s Associates County Ground, is repeatedly chosen as the venue with the best atmosphere.
“We have also seen a historic development; the establishment of a Tier One Somerset Women’s team, now with an exciting new coach, Erin Osborne.
“Meanwhile, on the field we have seen real success over those four years, winning the Vitality Blast twice, and reaching Finals Day every year. We also reached a Final of the One-Day Cup. Like every previous Chair I step down without us having won the County Championship but at least we competed strongly and had two third place finishes.
“I’m confident the team is well prepared for the 2026 season and we have a strong pathway for both boys and girls and continue to develop brilliant young cricketers.
We owe our success most of all to our passionate, committed and friendly Members and supporters who make Somerset a great place both to play and to watch cricket, as I hear often from other counties. I shall always take pride in having been associated with such a wonderful Club.
“I look forward to staying a friend of Somerset for life and when time permits visiting the Cooper Associates County Ground to see our teams in action.”
Somerset CEO, Jamie Cox thanked Lord Barber for his passion and commitment to the Club during his tenure: “We are very fortunate to have benefitted from having such a credentialled leader at the helm of Somerset CCC for the past four years. Michael’s passion for the game, the Club and the region is inspiring and will be dearly missed but we totally understand his decision with his new commitments. We sincerely thank him for his leadership and guidance through a time of great change across the game and a time which has delivered success to the County, both on and off the field.”
“We congratulate him on his new role and wish him every success, whilst assuring him that there will always be a seat here in the sunshine for him to watch the cricket whenever his schedule permits.”
Richard Thompson, ECB Chair, said: “On behalf of the ECB, I would like to say a huge thanks to Lord Barber as he stands down as Chair of Somerset County Cricket Club. Michael has led the Club with distinction, integrity and a deep love for the game. He has also led it through a period of success on the pitch, and I saw for myself just how much winning the Vitality Blast at Finals Day meant to him.
“His commitment to strengthening governance, championing inclusivity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Club means he leaves a lasting and positive legacy. He has also been a fine partner to the ECB and cricket more widely, and I am extremely grateful for the support and advice he has provided to me over the years, not least sharing his international relations expertise as England Men returned to play cricket in Pakistan in 2022.”
Current Vice Chair, Richard Brice will step up to the role of Chair whilst Somerset CCC undertakes a thorough process to recruit the most suitable replacement.
