Lord Mendoza, honored by Boris Johnson, is expected to be confirmed as Sir Laurie Magnus’ successor as chair of the body within weeks, Sky News said.

A Conservative Party colleague who played a key role in the founding of the Cultural Recovery Fund during the devastating pandemic is being named the next president of Historic Britain.

Sky News has learned Lord Mendoza, the chancellor of Oriel College, Oxford, is expected to be announced in the post over the next few weeks.

Lord Mendoza was nominated by Boris JohnsonPrime Minister at the time, to enjoy his life in August 2020.

He has held a variety of government-appointed roles, including sitting on the board of the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and as commissioner for cultural renewal and restoration.

A former businessman, Lord Mendoza has also served as a trustee of British History, who is responsible for curating Britain’s National Heritage List, which includes more than 400,000 artifacts ranging from prehistoric monuments to battlefields.

He is credited with setting up a £1.57 billion fund to preserve the future of the heritage sector during the lockdown and prolonged social distancing.

If confirmed, Lord Mendoza will be the latest in a string of senior figures with close connections to the government to be appointed to prestigious roles at quanos and other public bodies.

The current President of British History is Sir Laurie Magnus, who is also the prime minister’s independent adviser on the interests of ministers.

A DCMS spokesman said on Monday: “Historical Britain plays an important role in protecting the country’s national heritage.

“We will be announcing a new chair soon.”