Tory peer replaces John Mills, who becomes deputy chair, while campaign director and chief executive have left board

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The former chancellor Nigel Lawson has been named chairman of the Vote Leave campaign as it struggles to quell infighting before the EU referendum.

The Tory peer is taking over the role from John Mills, who will become deputy chairman and focus on wooing Labour supporters.

The campaign director, Dominic Cummings, who recently survived a reported effort to oust him, the chief executive, Matthew Elliott, and the company secretary, Victoria Woodcock, are also stepping down from the board.

Leave campaign will be buoyed by EU deal that offers precious little Read more

A spokesman for Vote Leave said the move had been “previously planned” to make the board wholly non-executive, and the three would still attend meetings alongside their duties.

Lord Lawson said: “I am delighted to accept the chairmanship of Vote Leave, to help ensure that the organisation is fully prepared for the start of the referendum campaign.

“Once the prime minister returns from the European council, I am confident that other senior figures will step forward to support the Vote Leave campaign, but I am happy to help the board and campaign team make the appropriate decisions in the crucial weeks ahead.”

The group said Lawson, 83, who served in the Treasury under Margaret Thatcher, had been approached by Mills and Elliott about taking the post. The former Scotland secretary Michael Forsyth is also joining the board.

Faction stations: which Brexit campaign is which? Read more

Vote Leave is competing with the rival group Leave.EU to be designated as the official Brexit campaign by the Electoral Commission. Mills said: “We are delighted that Lord Lawson has agreed to provide leadership to the board as we prepare for the start of the referendum campaign.

“The campaign will need to make some crucial decisions over the coming weeks on how we cooperate with the other groups campaigning for a leave vote, how we properly involve representatives from across the political spectrum, and how we can best present a positive vision for life outside the European Union, so voters can make an informed choice on referendum day.

“We are grateful to both Lord Lawson and Lord Forsyth for agreeing to help us during this important phase of the campaign.”