Margaret Hodge lands responsibility for tourism!

Former industry minister Margaret Hodge has been handed the tourism brief as part of changes at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.

UK tourism is one of a number of responsibilities she will undertake as minister of state alongside arts; creative industries; heritage, architecture, Royal Parks and Royal Estate; museums and galleries, archives and libraries; and science and sustainability.

Hodge has held a number of roles in departments including employment, education and work and pensions. A former leader of Islington council in London, she was elected MP for Barking in 1994. She reports to new culture secretary James Purnell following new prime minister Gordon Brown's cabinet reshuffle.By Phil Davies

Published: 6.7.2007