13 Nov 2009Mawhinney to stand down as Football League chairman

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance

Lord Mawhinney has said that he will leave his position as chairman of the Football League in March next year.

The 69-year-old played a central role in the rebranding of the Football League in 2004, when Divisions One, Two and Three became the Championship, League One and League Two.

He took up the post in January 2003 and was also behind the introduction of the fit and proper persons test, which evaluates the suitability of prospective club owners.

"It has been a privilege to serve the Football League," Lord Mawhinney said.

"I've greatly enjoyed the challenge of helping shape a better league and am grateful for the support received."

Believed to be a Peterborough United fan, the former Conservative Party chairman became MP for Peterborough in 1979 and was awarded a peerage in 2005.

A successor to the outgoing chairman will be chosen for the start of the 2010-11 season, with Lord Mawhinney's fellow independent director Ian Ritchie overseeing the process.

Written by Paul Roberts

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