Pow becomes UK tourism minister as Ellis departs

Rebecca Pow has stepped into the role of UK tourism minister.

The Conservative member of parliament for Taunton Deane in Somerset replaces Michael Ellis, who moves to take up the transport brief.

Ellis served in the role for just over a year.

Pow, previously personal private secretary to the work and pensions secretary, will begin work immediately.

However, with heavy speculation prime minister Theresa May will announce her own departure today, her tenure may well end up being brief.

Honoured and absolutely delighted to be appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for arts, heritage and tourism. A glorious remit with a cracking team @DCMS_SecOfState @mimsdavies @margot_james_mp . Looking forward to immersing myself in it all. @dcms pic.twitter.com/tK0y49gwD3

— Rebecca Pow (@pow_rebecca) May 23, 2019

Her official title is parliamentary undersecretary of state at the department for digital, culture, media and sport.

Her office has responsibilities for the arts, museums, digital culture, heritage, cultural property and public libraries – as well as tourism.

VisitBritain director, Patricia Yates, said: “Delighted to welcome our new minister at a transformational time for tourism, with the prospect of a sector deal to ensure Britain remains one of the most competitive destinations in the world.”