15 Jan 2018
Michael Ellis to oversee arts, heritage and tourism in new DCMS role
BY Tom Anstey
Former House of Commons deputy leader Michael Ellis has been named parliamentary undersecretary for arts, heritage and tourism.
Ellis – who was deputy leader of the House of Commons from July 2016 until the cabinet reshuffle on 9 January – takes over from John Glen, who was named City minister in the recent cabinet reshuffle.
Ellis began work in his new role immediately, attending the Creative Industries Federation’s third-anniversary event, held at the Natural History Museum in London.
He has already visited a number of cultural institutions, including the Tate Modern, the Government Art Collection, and Walworth to see a heritage action zone in person.
As part of his tourism remit, Ellis met with VisitBritian chiefs Steve Ridgeway and Sally Balcombe, while also returning to his home constituency of Northampton to see various projects.
This is the second time in the past year that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has shaken up its ministerial team, following last year’s general election.
In the latest reshuffle, Matt Hancock was promoted to lead the DCMS as secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport – replacing Karen Bradley, who last week was made Northern Ireland secretary.
Also joining the DCMS, Margot James has been named minister for digital and the creative industries, filling the position vacated by Hancock.
“This government is about building a country fit for the future – one that truly works for everyone with a stronger economy and a fairer society,” said prime minister Theresa May.
“This reshuffle helps us do just that by bringing fresh talent into government, boosting delivery in key policy areas and ensuring the government looks more like the country it serves."
Close Window