Time running out on Bowker’s UKA role

UK Athletics chair Richard Bowker looks set to lose his position at the governing body after his opponents made a formal move to remove him following a meeting of the sport’s Members Council in Birmingham.

The 52-year-old, who has only held the post for the past 18 months, is understood to have heard a series of stinging critiques from within the 12-strong group, led by the quartet of home country associations who have openly demanded his exit.

Bowker has faced a storm of opposition to a plan to merge England Athletics into Birmingham-based UKA amid an efficiency drive.

He maintained yesterday that the plan had the blessing of UK Athletics’ management board but one source insisted “there was not a huge amount of support” and surprise that he had not yet “fallen on his sword”.

There was no formal noconfidence vote but, in a letter sent last night, opponents asked him to consider his position and gave notice for the board of UK Athletics to respond within six days.

UKA’S executive is next due to meet at the end of January and it is believed they are presently divided on whether to curtail Bowker’s tenure with ex-athletes Dave Bedford and Sarah Rowell thought to remain as allies while others lean towards his removal following extensive discussions last month.

Many will feel Bowker’s chairmanship is now untenable with the Members Council primed to push for his removal by calling a special purpose meeting with 28 days notice. The hope, hinted at by the influential chair of Scottish Athletics, Ian Beattie, is that such a drastic step will not be necessary following the emphatic position voiced in the talks.

“It was a constructive meeting,” he said. “But now we will continue the dialogue.”