29 June 2007
Gordon Brown has appointed some new faces in Government, bringing in talents from outside of government as part of his promise, made during his first statement as Prime Minister, to:
"… invite men and women of good will to contribute their energies in a new spirit of public service to make the nation what it can be."
- Read the PM’s first statement
- Watch the statement on the Downing Street YouTube channel (new window)
The appointments include Sir Alan West, who has been appointed a Parliamentary Under Secretary in the Home Office with responsibility for Security. Sir Alan has a long and distinguished career including being Chief of Defence Intelligence and Deputy Chairman of the Joint Intelligence Committe.
Sir Digby Jones [pictured] has been appointed Minister of State for Trade and Investment in the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform. He will also be chair of UK Trade and Investment to push the case for British business.
Speaking of his appointment, Sir Digby said that he is looking forward to ‘banging the drum for British business of all sectors and all sizes all over the world.’
Professor Sir Ara Darzi has been appointed Parliamentary Under Secretary at Department of Health. He has worked in some of the most high-tech areas of non-invasive surgery (including the use of robotics). He will work with Alan Johnson in improving patient-care, increase the convenience and accessibility of health services and build a new partnership with NHS and staff and patients.
In a statement published on this website, Professor Darzi said it was a "great honour and privilege" to be asked to join the Government.
He added:
"I am not a politician by profession. My working life has, is and will continue to be centred on patient care. I intend to draw on my experience in clinical practice, research and teaching and in health policy to fulfil this responsibility."
Shriti Vadera becomes Parliamentary Under Secretary of State in the Department for International Development after 14 years at investment bank UBS Warburg, including advising Governments of developing countries on a range of issues such as debt restructuring. Ms Vadera developed Mr Brown’s initiative on Education for All launched last year with Nelson Mandela.
Ms Vadera said:
"I am proud of DfiD’s track record and international leadership in the battle against poverty around the world. I am looking forward to working with Douglas Alexander to carry on the Government’s mission to help lift millions of people out of poverty."
In addition a number of other appointments have been made:
- Lord Stevens of Kirkwhelpington QPM to be the Prime Minister’s Senior Advisor on International Security Issues;
- Baroness Neuberger will work with the Prime Mininster, the Government and the voluntary sector to champion volunteering;
- Lord Lester of Herne Hill QC has agreed to advise the Secretary of State for Justice on aspects of constitutional reform.
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