GGF Positive after Cabinet Re-shuffle
18th September 2012

The Glass and Glazing Federation is in a positive mood following the recent Cabinet re-shuffle that saw changes within several Departments which the Federation has developed strong links with since the Coalition Government came into power in 2010.

Nigel Rees, GGF Group Chief Executive commented, “The recent Government changes have mainly involved Junior Ministers. The key Ministers in the various Departments that we have built solid relationships with have not changed, but as we work on all levels of Government we have to keep track of any relevant changes and changes in responsibilities.”

One of the most notable changes for the Federation is Mark Prisk MP, former Minister of State for Business and Enterprise, now becoming Minister of State for Housing and Local Government replacing Grant Shapps MP who has become the Conservative Party Chairman. Prisk has been replaced with Conservative veteran Michael Fallon MP who takes over as Minister for State for Business and Enterprise with responsibility for small businesses and construction. Another shuffle to note is the bringing into Government of Don Foster MP, the well respected Liberal Democrat who takes over from Andrew Stunell on Building Regulations at the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

Nigel Rees continued “Over the last two years the GGF has had positive dialogue with Mark Prisk, primarily on SMEs and construction development. We hope to strengthen our relationship going forward on housing matters and develop new discussion with Michael Fallon MP on the issues affecting small businesses and construction.”

The list below highlights the changes that could be of relevance to the GGF on future policy and legislation.

Department for Energy and Climate Change
John Hayes MP replaces Charles Hendry MP as Energy Minister

Department for Communities and Local Government
Mark Prisk MP replaces Grant Shapps MP as Housing Minister
Don Foster MP replaces Andrew Stunell MP with the remit of building regulations
Nick Boles MP replaces Greg Clark MP with the remit of planning policy

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
Michael Fallon MP replaces Mark Prisk MP as Minister of State

Department for State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Owen Paterson MP becomes Secretary of State

Department of Transport
Patrick McLoughlin MP appointed Secretary of State

Northern Ireland
Theresa Villiers MP - Secretary of State

Scotland
Margaret Burgess MP appointed Housing and Welfare Minister

Wales
David Jones MP appointed Secretary of State


Nigel Rees concluded, “We will be sending letters of congratulations and in some cases introduction, to all the new Ministers as we continue our policy of developing good relationships with Government to make them aware of our Members’ concerns on policy and legislation”