Sports minister Hugh Robertson has officially axed plans to merge elite performance body UK Sport with grassroots organisation Sport England.

Robertson said the two would still be required to develop a shared strategic approach on issues such as sports governance and talent management - but ruled out a full merger.

Making the announcement, Robertson also announced that a search has begun for new chairs of UK Sport and Sport England, to take over from current incumbents Sue Campbell and Richard Lewis - both who are set to step down later this year.

Baroness Campbell has served the maximum term (10 years) in line with requirements set for public appointments, while Richard Lewis has announced his intentions to leave the role to concentrate on his role as CEO of the All England Club.

Thanking Campbell and Lewis, Hugh Robertson said: "Sue Campbell has led the transformation of elite sport in this country. The results in both the Beijing and London Games were testament to UK Sport developing a system that helps athletes fulfil their potential and Sue deserves great credit for that.

"Richard Lewis has helped Sport England lay the foundations for an extremely strong sports legacy from London 2012. Under his leadership, participation levels in England have never been higher, the body has a clear direction of travel with its Youth and Community strategy, and its Places People Play programme is improving sports facilities up and down the country.

"The new chairs at UK Sport and Sport England will be tasked to keep up this momentum and work closely together to ensure a more joined up approach to sports administration so that from the grassroots to the elite, sport is in the best possible health."