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Prescott resumes regional role in DTLR reshuffle

Deputy prime minister John Prescott has resumed his duties as minister for the regions and local government, following the resignation of DTLR secretary Stephen Byers.

Downing Street this morning confirmed that the Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions (DTLR) would be split in two.

Although the mini-reshuffle has not been finalised, with several junior positions to be confirmed, Alistair Darling will take over as secretary of state for transport, while the regions and local government, the portfolios which include planning policy and building regulations, will be taken over by deputy prime minister John Prescott.

Prescott headed the former Department for the Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR) from 1997 to 2001 before it was split to form the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the DTLR.

It is not known whether Prescott will head the department permanently, or take over as caretaker until a full reshuffle in the summer.

The mini-reshuffle also moves chief secretary to the Treasury Andrew Smith to become Alistair Darling’s replacement as work and pensions secretary in the cabinet.

Treasury financial secretary Paul Boateng takes Smith’s place, becoming the UK’s first black cabinet member.

EGi News 29/05/02

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