Mandelson unveils new manufacturing minister

Mandelson said he was delighted to be the Secretary of State, which would present be a great opportunity and a great challenge. “Our economy, like every other, is facing huge challenges as a result of the global financial crisis. I will be doing all I can, along with the rest of my Ministerial team, to help businesses and consumers through these testing times,” he added. Leading for manufacturing will be Ian Pearson MP (pictured), the new economic and business Minister. He will be responsible for business sectors (aerospace, marine and defence; automotive; bioscience and pharmaceuticals; chemicals; construction; environmental industries; manufacturing, materials and engineering; retail and services), sustainable development and regulation (including waste electrical and electronic equipment issues), business support simplification, corporate social responsibility, corporate governance, Companies Act implementation and Companies House, export control and Export Credits Guarantee Department. The Dudley MP was elected in 1994 and before today’s appointment was Economic Secretary to the Treasury. He has also held ministerial posts at the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills; the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs; the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Northern Ireland Office. The other DBERR Ministers are: Pat McFadden MP: Employment Relations and Postal Affairs; Gareth Thomas MP: Trade, Investment and Consumer Affairs; Stephen Carter CBE: Communications, Technology and Broadcasting; Shriti Vadera: Competitiveness and Small Business.