30/06/2007

Sutcliffe becomes Sports Minister

Gerry has been appointed as the new Sports Minister.  As part of one of the biggest reshuffles in modern history, the Prime Minister phoned Gerry on Friday evening to tell him the good news.

The previous Sports Minister, Richard Caborn, has accepted a new role as World Cup Ambassador to prepare a bid to host the famous football competition in 2018.  Tessa Jowell will be guiding the preparations for the 2012 Olympics in her new role as Olympics Minister.

Gerry said: "I am honoured to accept the Prime Minister's invitation to become the new Sports Minister.  In doing so, I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor, who I look forward to working with in his new role as World Cup Ambassador."

He added: "Sport can be so significant to so many of us - from our personal development and health, to our unity and pride.  In every respect, I hope that I can bring further success to sport."

Gerry will take up his new responsibilities immediately, and will be based in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.