BARONESS Tanni Grey-Thompson has been appointed as interim chair of Yorkshire.

Thompson moves up from her role as board member and non-executive director, with Lord Kamlesh Patel stepping down at the club’s next annual general meeting in March.

Thompson will work alongside Lord Patel as co-chair, and then serve as interim chair until a permanent successor is appointed.

Patel joined Yorkshire in November 2021 following the fallout from Azeem Rafiq’s allegations the previous year of racist treatment while at the county.

Thompson, 53, is regarded as one of Britain’s greatest Paralympians, with 11 gold medals.

A statement from Yorkshire read: “The board will be working with a leading international executive search firm to conduct a fair, thorough and robust recruitment process to identify an appropriate candidate. The process is open to both internal and external candidates.

“YCCC is committed to continuing to deliver positive changes in line with the values and standards established by Lord Patel and the board.

“The board and the outgoing chair are also focused on ensuring a thorough and seamless transition within the club’s leadership.”

Patel oversaw a period of reform that resulted in international cricket returning to Headingley and a focus on improving equality, diversity and inclusion but also saw the a significant number of staff leave.

A hearing to examine allegations of racism linked to the club is set to take place in March.