Hugh Robertson given ministerial responsibility for tourism after Penrose departure

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is understood to have handed ministerial responsibility for tourism to Hugh Robertson, following the resignation of John Penrose.

Penrose stepped down from his post last night after Prime Minister David Cameron took the decision to reduce the size of DCMS now that the Olympics are over.

Robertson is the Conservative MP for Faversham and Mid Kent, and has held the post of minister for sport within DCMS since May 2010. He will now act as minister for sport, Olympic legacy and tourism in the downsized department.

Commenting on the appointment, which has not yet been officially confirmed by DCMS, British Hospitality Association (BHA) deputy chief executive Martin Couchman said: "The BHA is pleased that tourism is now included in Hugh Robertson's brief and we look forward to picking up with him on all the issues that we have been discussing with DCMS."

John Penrose resigns as tourism minister >>

By Neil Gerrard

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