Charities and sector bodies have responded to Liz Truss’ first appointments to her cabinet since becoming prime minister yesterday.
Michelle Donelan was appointed secretary of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) but her department has yet to confirm whether it will continue to hold the civil society brief.
Truss has also created a new role of minister for development in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FDCO), to which Vicky Ford has been appointed.
Aid charities body Bond welcomed the creation of this role, which it said would be a boost for international development programmes.
Meanwhile, Truss has appointed James Cleverly as FCDO secretary and Simon Clarke to lead the levelling up department.
Sector welcomes culture secretary
Donelan is a patron of local charity for older and disabled people, the Independent Living Centre in Semington, Wiltshire.
In July this year, she was education secretary for two days before resigning from Boris Johnson’s government. After reports that she would receive almost £17,000 in severance for the role, Donelan publicly pledged to give the money to charity. The government has since declared that she did not receive the payment.
As education minister, Donelan wrote an article for Conservative Home, criticising an “intolerant woke mob”, which she blamed for threatening freedom of speech at universities.
Sarah Vibert, chief executive of NCVO, said on social media: “Congratulations to Michelle Donelan on her new position as secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport from NCVO.
“The voluntary sector and our vibrant civil society offer vital support to communities throughout the UK.
“However, charities are facing huge challenges with energy bills soaring and demand for services rising. Charities at the front line of the cost-of-living crisis need support so they can help communities. We look forward to working together to support thriving, resilient communities.”
Bond welcomes Ford appointment
Responding to the Ford’s appointment to the new minister for development role, Bond chief executive Stephanie Draper said: “This move will help ensure international development is integral to the work of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. As former minister for Africa in the department, Vicky Ford is well-equipped to take on the critical tasks ahead.”
Draper also welcomed Cleverley’s appointment, saying he would bring “valuable experience to the role having worked in the department most recently as minister of state for Europe and North America”.
She called on Truss to reverse the cut to aid funding, which Johnson reduced from 0.7% 0.5% of GNI.
“This is the only way for the UK to reclaim its reputation as a global partner when it comes to supporting marginalised communities facing inequality, poverty, conflict and climate change,” she said.
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