MATTHEW Hancock has been appointed to the role of Minister of State for Business, Enterprise and Energy in today's Government reshuffle.
RenewableUK, the trade and professional body for the wind and marine energy industries, has welcomed the move, from a skills portfolio.
He replaces Michael Fallon MP, who came to northern Lincolnshire twice, launching the Growing the Humber Regional Growth Fund and visiting Wren's new manufacturing base at Barton.
Maria McCaffery, RenewableUK chief executive, said: "Mr Hancock brings with him strong experience in business and skills from his previous role as Minister of State for Skills and Enterprise. The jobs of the future are in green energy, and with a dual remit across the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills and the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Mr Hancock will be poised to ensure that these tens of thousands of jobs are realised. We are pleased to see that Mr Hancock will be attending Cabinet to make sure that consistent energy policy is delivered in those discussions, and we look forward to working more with him."
Paying tribute to the two Ministers leaving the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Mr Fallon and Gregory Barker MP, Ms McCaffery said: "Michael Fallon played a key role in taking forward the very intricate Energy Act and it is important that momentum is not lost on this. Mr Fallon was also committed to ensuring the maximum industrial benefit from offshore wind and we will continue to work with Mr Hancock and his team on this.
"RenewableUK is also grateful to Mr Barker who, during his long time as Energy and Climate Change Minister, was a consistent advocate for renewable energy in Government. Mr Barker devoted considerable energy and enthusiasm into advancing our world-leading wave and tidal sector, and we look forward to working with his successor."
Mr Hancock, who is the Conservative representative for West Sussex, earlier tweeted: "It's an honour to attend Cabinet as Minister for Business, Enterprise & Energy. Thanks for all the kind messages. Can't wait to get started."
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