The UK’s new Secretary of State for culture, media and sport is Wigan MP, Lisa Nandy.
Thangam Debbonaire, the former shadow secretary for culture and Royal Academy of Music trained professional cellist, had been widely expected to become Culture Secretary had she retained her Bristol Central seat.
The new secretary said ‘It is an unbelievable privilege to take on the role of Secretary of State. From Rugby League to Royal Opera, our cultural and sporting heritage runs through our towns, villages and cities and is one of our country’s greatest assets.’
The DCMS said they welcomed Lisa Sandy to her new role to support ‘our nation’s wealth of talent to shape our cultural landscape, nurturing the arts and creating opportunities in the creative industries, media and sport for all people, in every corner of the country’
During the election campaign, Labour leader Keir Starmer stressed the economic contribution of the creative industries and argued it could be even greater with improved access. He pledged to make the arts more accessible to young people from all backgrounds.
Arts and culture leaders have urged the new Labour government to address funding challenges and improving creative education opportunities. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street on his first day as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer said that change may take time but work to achieve it will begin immediately.