The marketing industry has yet another Government minister to try to get on its side following the political turmoil sparked by Theresa May’s Brexit plans, with the ministerial reshuffle seeing “digital champion” Matt Hancock switched to the role of Health Secretary to succeed Jeremy Hunt, just six months after he was appointed to the role.
Attorney General Jeremy Wright, the MP for Kenilworth and Southam, will replace Hancock as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, although at least Margot James retains her role as digital minister.
Wright, a barrister, has no background in marketing, unlike James, who worked in sales and marketing for her father’s business, MJI based in Birmingham, and Hancock, who worked for his father’s software company, Border Business Systems.
However, Wright’s background will no doubt be welcomed by the Information Commissioner’s Office, which has finally secured agreement from the Government to resurrect plans for tougher rules on directors of rogue telemarketing directors. The legislation is currently in the consultation.
Whether Wright’s digital credentials stack up is another matter. While Tom Watson, the shadow Culture Secretary and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, welcomed Wright to his new role, he was quick to point out that despite being given responsibility for the Government’s digital strategy Wright did not appear to even have an active Twitter account.
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