Press release

million+ welcomes new BIS ministerial team

12 May 2015

Following the election of a majority Conservative Government, the university think-tank million+ has welcomed the appointment of new Ministers in the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills where Jo Johnson MP, former Head of the Cabinet Office, has been appointed as Minister for Universities and Science. He will work alongside the new Business Secretary of State, Sajid Javid, who was formerly Secretary of State at the Department of Culture, Media and Sports.  Anna Soubrey has also been appointed to the new post of Minister for Small Business.

Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+ said:

“We warmly welcome the appointment of Jo Johnson as the new Minister for Universities and Science. His work in finance and his knowledge of Europe and postings in Asia chime well with the global agenda in which all universities are engaged. He will be a key player in the Department of Business Innovation and Skills which has the added advantage of a new Ministerial team.

“The election of a majority government provides new opportunities to develop a more coherent approach which was not always possible under the former Coalition.

“Universities play a crucial role in areas such as health, education and regional growth and can provide solutions to the wider ambitions of government. We are looking forward to working  on a cross-departmental basis with the new Ministerial teams but we also expect Ministers themselves to take full advantage of the more holistic approach to government which will be possible in the future.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors
1. For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Pam Tatlow on 020 7717 1658 or email press@millionplus.ac.uk.
2. million+ is a leading university think-tank. More information can be found at www.millionplus.ac.uk.
3. million+ manifesto series for Universities, Teacher Education and Health Education can be found here.