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The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has announced a shakeup of its ministerial team, with Salisbury MP John Glen being handed the role of parliamentary undersecretary for arts, heritage and tourism.
Glen – who was previously serving as principal private secretary to chancellor Philip Hammond – takes up his new role after Rob Wilson, former minister for civil society, lost his seat during the general election.
Wilson’s duties will now be carried out by Tracey Crouch, who managed the tourism brief alongside sport and heritage prior to the election. Her title is now parliamentary undersecretary for sport and civil society, with the minister overseeing gambling, horse racing, the Office for Civil Society, sport, and the National Lottery and society lotteries.
Former minister for culture and digital Matt Hancock narrows his remit, which now focuses purely on digital, with arts and culture now falling under the watch of Glen.
According to the DCMS, Glen’s remit will include arts, culture, heritage, public libraries, museums, the National Archives and tourism.
“I know from my own constituency how important tourism is to communities across the country in creating jobs and driving growth,” said Glen. “I look forward to working closely with the sector to continue to maximise its impact in Britain and across the world.”
Commenting on Glen’s appointment, Museums Association director Sharon Heal welcomed the move, praising the government for creating a specific ministerial responsibility for the arts, heritage and museums in England.
Following his appointment, Glen confirmed on Twitter meetings with Arts Council England (ACE) chair Nicholas Serota and CEO Darren Henley, saying he would be working closely with ACE to “ensure our world-beating arts art open to all”.
Since his appointment, Glen has also met with the Science Museum Group’s chair Mary Archer and its director Ian Blatchford, with the minister also planning a visit to the UK City of Culture Hull.
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