Arts Council England-funded organisation Jazz Services, which provides an important voice and support for UK jazz, has announced that former government whip Bob Blizzard (left), the MP for Waveney in Suffolk until the general election this year, is to be its new chair, taking on the role from John Blandford who has been chair for the last two years.

Blizzard, 60, in a statement expressed his delight at his new role. “I’ve been in love with jazz since I was a student. I want to do all I can to lead Jazz Services, with a fresh vision, into the tough era of tighter public funding for the arts, working in partnership with others. I believe British jazz can still thrive. There is now more musical talent than ever.”

A regular for some years on the London jazz scene frequently attending gigs at the capital’s jazz clubs and concert halls, Blizzard has worked as secretary of the All-Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group developing the Parliamentary Jazz Awards and promoting jazz at receptions held in association with the London Jazz Festival.

Jazz Services director Chris Hodgkins, commenting on Blizzard’s appointment said: “I’m delighted he’s going to be the new chair and I feel his particular qualities are ideal for the challenges of the coming years.”

– Stephen Graham