Trevor Phillips has been appointed as the new chief of the Commission for Racial Equality.

The appointment comes at a critical time for the organisation - with issues such as black gun culture rising up the agenda.

It comes amid suggestions that ministers are preparing to combine a variety of different organisations - including the CRE and the Disability Rights Commission - into one super-equality watchdog.

Phillips, the chairman of the GLA and former TV journalist, takes over from Gurbux Singh, who was forced to quit earlier this year following a drunken fracas with the police.

"I am delighted to be given the opportunity to lead the CRE in its twin tasks of helping to bring all our diverse communities together and in rooting out racism and discrimination in all its forms," Phillips said.

"There are few more significant challenges in our society, and I look forward to working with the commissioners and staff of a rejuvenated CRE."

The millionaire ex-broadcaster is close to New Labour and Tony Blair.

He is a seasoned campaigner who began his political career as the only black president of the NUS.

He was widely seen as the prime minister's favoured candidate to become the party's candidate to be the first directly-elected mayor of London.

Phillips spent a decade presenting current affairs TV programmes before starting his own production company and was awarded an OBE in 1999.

He is also a member of the Runnymede Trust as well as a trustee of the Bernie Grant Centre and the Ethnic Minorities Foundation.

Home secretary David Blunkett said the commission had a vital role to play.

"This is a important time for race equality in Britain. It is imperative that in these current times, we maintain good race relations and social cohesion so that we can take advantage of the contribution that all communities make to society," he said.

"I am pleased that Trevor Phillips will be leading the CRE. As chair of the commission, Phillips will play a vital part in bringing about real and lasting change, providing the leadership and vision to help achieve race equality across the UK."