Ed Vaizey gets digital industries role in Cabinet reshuffle

Culture minister Ed Vaizey has been handed a new brief following this week’s reshuffle of PM David Cameron’s Cabinet.

Vaizey’s appointment as minister for digital industries was confirmed by a tweet from David Cameron’s official account.

The newly-created role will be split across the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and the Department for Business Innovation and Skills (BIS),

A DCMS spokesperson said: “In addition to his existing portfolio, Ed Vaizey will now also be responsible for the digital industries. Full Ministerial portfolios at BIS and DCMS will be confirmed in due course.”

Vaizey will remain a key figure in the government’s BDUK programme, having been vocal in talking up plans to bring superfast broadband to 95% of the UK population by 2017.

The wide-ranging reshuffle also saw David Willetts ousted as minister for universities, science and cities. He will be replaced with Greg Clarke.

Computer Weekly interviews Ed Vaizey

In 2013, Computer Weekly spoke with Ed Vaizey for a wide-ranging conversation around the progress, opportunities and controversies surrounding the government's plans for Digital Britain, including policies on superfast broadband and mobile spectrum:

• Ed Vaizey interview with Computer Weekly part 1
• Ed Vaizey interview with Computer Weekly part 2