Wigan MP Lisa Nandy says 'the hard work begins today' after Culture Secretary appointment
The 44-year-old has been given a role in Sir Kier Starmer's top team.
Last updated 6th Jul 2024
Labour MP for Wigan Lisa Nandy said she will do everything in her power to "change lives for the better" as the newly appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.
The 44-year-old, who had been shadow cabinet minister for international development prior to the General Election, takes over from Conservative Lucy Frazer, who lost her Ely and East Cambridgeshire seat to the Liberal Democrats.
Ms Nandy said she is "thrilled" to be appointed to the department by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
"Its industries give meaning to millions of lives and bring communities in our towns, villages and cities together," she said in a statement.
"As Culture Secretary, I will do everything I can to harness the limitless potential of the extraordinary people in these amazing sectors to drive economic growth, unlock opportunities for everyone and change lives for the better.
"The hard work begins today."
Thangam Debbonaire had been shadow culture secretary, before the UK went to the polls but she lost her Bristol Central seat to Green party co-leader Carla Denyer, one of the few Labour casualties on election night.
In her new role, Ms Nandy is set to oversee a review of the TV licence fee.
Last year, Ms Frazer announced a review into the fee, which funds much of the BBC as the household charge was raised by ÂŁ10.50, taking the total to ÂŁ169.50, following a two-year freeze of it.
Under the BBC Funding Model Review's terms of reference, an expert panel will consider what corporation services could become fully commercial and how much business revenue the broadcaster could generate.
It will also look at the funding arrangements of the BBC World Service and minority language broadcasting.
The Tory Government previously said it is committed for the licence fee to remain until the current charter period ends in December 2027.
Labour leaders will decide what happens next with BBC, after considering a report by the panel which is set for release in the autumn.
The Labour Party has committed in its manifesto that it will work "constructively with the BBC and our other public service broadcasters", making culture and the arts more accessible and investing in the creative industry as part of its industrial strategy.