Conservative MP Sir Brian Mawhinney has been named as the Football League's new chairman.
The 62-year-old former Northern Ireland Sports Minister succeeds Keith Harris, who quit in August along with chief executive David Burns.
Mawhinney, who was Tory party chairman between 1995 and 1997, hopes to bring greater stability for the League's 72 member clubs, many of which are in dire financial straits following the collapse of broadcasters ITV Digital and the loss of millions of pounds' worth of television revenue.
He said: 'Everybody knows that this is a crucial time for football, with discussions about the financial pressures on clubs.
'I am coming in at a time when important issues, such as restructuring and transfer windows, are being addressed and need to be resolved.
'On the other hand I come to the role aware that the League is enjoying huge support with attendances on the up and up, and I want to play my part in building an even better future for the 72 clubs.'
Mawhinney, who is a Peterborough United supporter, will continue to serve as MP for his Cambridgeshire North West constituency when he begins in his new role in January.
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