Barbara Follett Replaces Margaret Hodge as Minister for Tourism

7th October 2008

Categories: Business Support

Barbara Follett Replaces Margaret Hodge as Minister for Tourism

Barbara Follett, wife of novelist Ken Follett, has replaced Margaret Hodge as Minister for Culture, Creative Industries & Tourism.  Magaret Hodge has temporarily left government on compassionate leave.

Follett, 65, is the MP for Stevenage and has moved to DCMS from the Department of Work and Pensions.  Previous roles include being Private Secretary to Tessa Jowell as Minister for Women from 2005 to 2006 and as Culture Secretary in 2006 to 2007.

Unclear focus

It isn't yet clear what focus she will bring to this role.  At a press conference at the Hayward Gallery she expressed interest in the creative industries and was reported as saying that she felt there was more to be done on "things like film."

Eighth minister in ten years

An article in caterersearch.com reports lukewarm reactions to the news of her appointment.   Grant Hearn, chief executive of Travelodge is quoted as saying, "What is remarkable is that the Government’s eighth tourism head in a decade will arrive with no noted experience or interest in this industry. Until the Government understands tourism’s contribution to Britain’s employment and GDP, we will continue to accommodate a procession of ministers that fail to make a positive contribution.”

And more cautiously, a British Hospitality Association spokesperson said, “We welcome the appointment and look forward to emphasising the importance of the tourism industry to the UK economy. We will urge her to support our Take Tourism Seriously campaign.”

You can access Barbara Follett's website by clicking here.

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