05/09/2012 - Replaces controversial Jeremy Hunt, known for being close to the Murdoch family

Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed Maria Miller as the UK Culture Secretary. She replaces Jeremy Hunt, who is widely known in the British film industry as the man who abolished the UK Film Council and transferred most of its powers to the British Film Institute (BFI). Hunt was also known for being close to the Murdoch family, in the eye of a storm over the phone tapping scandal a few months ago. Miller will also take on the Women and Equalities portfolio. Hunt has been promoted to Health Secretary.

Miller said, “I am delighted to have been appointed as Culture Secretary by the Prime Minister and am very much looking forward to tackling the many challenges that the role will bring.” Miller has been Member of Parliament for Basingstoke since 2005. She served on the Trade and Industry Select Committee from 2005-06. In 2010 Ms Miller was appointed Parliamentary-Under Secretary State at the Department for Work and Pensions, before her current appointment.

Before entering Parliament, Miller was a director of Grey Advertising and also Rowland Saatchi. Prior to that she worked for the oil company Texaco in business development and marketing.

Supporting Miller in her cultural duties will be Ed Vaizey, Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, who will continue the role he fulfilled under Hunt.