Whittingdale in culture role
John Whittingdale [pictured] has been appointed as the new secretary of state for culture, media and sport, taking over from Sajid Javid.
Newly returned prime minister David Cameron has given Whittingdale, MP for Maldon, the brief that includes the arts and libraries. Javid moves to the position of secretary of state for business, innovation and skills, taking over from Vince Cable, who lost his seat in last week's election.
Whittingdale served as political secretary to then prime minister Margaret Thatcher from 1989 to 1990, and has also served as shadow secretary of state for trade and industry and shadow culture secretary. In July 2005 he was elected chairman of the House of Commons culture, media and sport select committee, where he presided over reports into libraries and copyright. He is also seen as a notable critic of the BBC, whose license fee charter comes up for renewal next year.