The fitness industry has welcomed the appointment of Jon Trickett MP as the Sports Liaison MP for Physical Activity.

Trickett joins the other sports liaison MPs, who between them represent sports ranging from tennis and cricket to football and rugby.

The new physical activity role was created after government lobbying by the FIA as well as by Trickett himself.

“Exercise and fitness doesn’t naturally fit into any sporting category, so we’ve persuaded the government that we need a liaison MP for this sector,” said Trickett.

The MP for Hemsworth, near Wakefield in West Yorkshire, described his role as an interface between the industry and parliament.

“It’s a two way street. The government has its views, but also wants to be in a listening mode. The sector has things to say, but will need to listen too. If I can help to ensure that happens, then I will do,” he said.

Trickett’s first task will be to meet key members of the industry to find out their views and hopes for the future, he said. “I want to be the agency that allows a better dialogue to go on between this sector and the government, so that we all understand each other better.”