News
July 2007
Peter Hain MP appointed Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Peter Hain moves to the Department for Work and Pensions from the Northern Ireland Office and replaces John Hutton who has been appointed as Secretary of State at the newly created Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
Mike O’Brien has been appointed Minister of State for Pensions Reform and Caroline Flint, Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform. Anne McGuire and James Plaskitt remain as Parliamentary Under Secretaries (Commons). They are joined by Barbara Follett. Lord McKenzie of Luton will be Parliamentary Under Secretary (Lords).
Peter Hain said:
“This is a top team of Ministers and I am delighted to welcome them to the Department.
“There is an important package of reforms to be worked on involving the pension system, benefits and the establishment of the Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission.
“However, providing the help and support that the most vulnerable in our society need and deserve will remain at the heart of what we do and I look forward to the work ahead.”