Sir Hugh Robertson, the man who was sports minister during the 2012 London Olympic Games, has been elected as chair of the British Olympic Association.

He will replace current incumbent Sebastian Coe after being voted in by the 43 members of the National Olympic Committee.

Current vice-chair Robertson held off competition for Richard Leman, and will now serve a four-year term.

The former Conservative MP will be charged with mapping out the future direction of the organisation, and making sure that Team GB athletes have the “resources, preparation and support they need”.

Robertson said he wanted to build on the success of Team GB’s Olympic campaign in Rio, which saw them win 67 medals, surpassing the total achieved during London 2012.

“The success of Team GB does not come by chance and the meticulous preparations and dedication to the athletes will remain at the forefront of our work,” he said.