THE politician who described Grimsby as the gateway to the offshore wind farm industry has been named Energy Minister.
Michael Fallon has been unveiled following a shuffle that saw his predecessor, John Hayes, take a role in the cabinet as senior parliamentary advisor.
Mr Fallon, who joined Humber Local Enterprise Partnership chairman Lord Haskins to launch the £10-million South Bank renewables kitty in northern Lincolnshire last month, is seen as someone who will bring more of a business mind to the vital low carbon economy.
At Baths Hall, Scunthorpe, Mr Fallon launched the North East Lincolnshire Council-controlled Regional Growth Fund, saying: "This will help build the supply chain. Grimsby is changing. This is a huge opportunity for Grimsby to seize the future. Grimsby will be the gateway."
Commenting on the appointment, chief executive of trade body RenewableUK, Maria McCaffery, said: "Renewables will play a major role in green growth – and we are delighted that today's announcement recognises that.
"Michael Fallon's dual role will ensure that two major Government departments - Energy and Business – will work even more closely together in order to deliver tens of thousands of low-carbon jobs.
"We would also like to thank his predecessor John Hayes for his work on the Energy Bill. We wish Mr Hayes well in his prestigious new role as Cabinet Office Minister, where he will no doubt prove to be a great asset."
