Somerset’s Clarke Wins ECB Chairman Vote

After a second ballot, Somerset chairman Giles Clarke has been named as the new
chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The Somerset chairman succeeds David Morgan, who is taking over as president
of the International Cricket Council, after beating current ECB deputy chairman
Mike Soper in a second ballot by 12 votes to six.

The 53-year old Clarke and Soper tied in the first ballot, sharing nine votes
apiece.

Former trade union leader Lord Morris had planned to stand against them to
help break the deadlock but withdrew.

Clarke will serve until spring 2009 if his nomination is approved by the full
membership of the ECB on 10th October.

Soper, who had been favourite to win the first vote, has quit as deputy
chairman – a post he occupied for five years.