New faces at DECC after govt reshuffle

Last month’s cabinet reshuffle saw Energy & Climate Change minister Greg Barker step down, and announce that he will not stand for re-election in his constituency of Bexhill & Battle in 2015.

Mr Barker had been Energy minister since 2010, and had been closely involved in the launches of the Renewable Heat Incentive, the Green Deal, and the Green Investment Bank.

In his resignation letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Barker said: “Although this Coalition has plenty more to do, we can already say with pride that, on the basis of what we have already delivered, this is genuinely ‘the Greenest Government ever’ and I am proud to have played my part.”

The Prime Minister, responding, said: “You have been a tireless advocate for climate change, leading numerous schemes to improve energy efficiency for many thousands of British households… Your advocacy of practical energy efficiency and electricity generation projects will be a long-lasting legacy for public and private buildings across the country.”

New to the Department for Energy and Climate Change is Matt Hancock, who takes on the roles of minister for Energy, as well as for Business Innovation and Skills, and for Portsmouth.

Amber Rudd becomes Parliamentary Under Secretary for Climate Change, with broadly the same portfolio as that held by Mr Barker as minister.

Ed Davey remains Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.