2 November 2005 – John Hutton appointed Work and Pensions Secretary
John Hutton has been appointed Work and Pensions Secretary, the Prime Minister confirmed this afternoon.
John Hutton said:
“First of all I want to pay tribute to David Blunkett who, in every job he has held, has made a radical contribution to improving the lives of some of the most disadvantaged members of the community.
“The Prime Minister has made clear that my job is to press ahead with the government’s radical welfare reform agenda so that rights are properly matched with responsibilities. I am very much looking forward to that challenge.
“We will reform incapacity benefit so it continues to support those who genuinely cannot work but can better help and support those who are able to return to work. And we will address the challenge of creating a pension system that allows people to enjoy a secure retirement in a country where there will soon be more people over the age of 80 than under the age of five.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Department and across government, as well as with our stakeholders, as we work together to meet these challenges.”
Notes for Editors
John Hutton entered the Cabinet as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in May 2005.
He was previously Minister of State with responsibility for Social Care at the Department of Health in 1999. He took on responsibility for Health in June 2001.
Before his election to Parliament he was a Senior Law lecturer at the University of Northumbria. From 1994 to1997 he served on the Select Committee for Home Affairs.
He was PPS to Margaret Beckett, both while she was President of the Board of Trade and Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (1997-8), and in her role as President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (1998). Mr Hutton was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in Oct 1998.
Mr Hutton was born on the 6 May 1955 and was educated at Westcliffe High School and Magdalen College Oxford. He has three sons and one daughter.
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