Margaret Hodge appointed new UK Film Minister
As part of the ongoing cabinet reshuffle following Gordon Brown’s ascension to the position of Prime Minister, former Minister of State for Industry and the Regions Margaret Hodge has been appointed Minister of State, Department of Culture, Media and Sport. This follows on from Brown’s appointment of James Purnell as the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
Purnell, a media veteran, has had a stint at the BBC and worked as a junior minister under the former secretary Tessa Jowell. He is widely credited for the creation of media regulatory body Ofcom.
Purnell has retained the responsibility of the broadcasting sector, including the impending digital switchover for himself, thus leaving most other culture related matters to Hodge, thereby effectively making her the film minister.
Her responsibilities will include the arts and creative industries (including film and video), advertising, radio and tourism. Hodge replaces Shaun Woodward who has been promoted to Northern Ireland secretary. Tessa Jowell is now the Olympics secretary.
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