Wigan MP Lisa Nandy says ‘the hard work starts today’ following the appointment of the Culture Secretary | News

The 44-year-old has been handed a role in Sir Kier Starmer’s top team.

Labor MP for Wigan Lisa Nandy said she would do everything in her power to “change lives for the better” as the newly appointed Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.

The 44-year-old, who had been shadow minister for international development before the general election, replaces Tory Lucy Frazer, who lost her seat in Ely and East Cambridgeshire to the Liberal Democrats.

Ms Nandy said she was “delighted” to be appointed to the department by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

“Its industries give meaning to millions of lives and bring communities together in our towns, villages and cities,” she said in a statement.

“As Culture Secretary, I will do everything I can to harness the unlimited potential of the extraordinary people in these amazing sectors to drive economic growth, unlock opportunities for everyone and change lives for the better.

“The hard work starts today.”

Thangam Debbonaire had been shadow culture secretary before Britain went to the polls, but lost her Bristol Central seat to Green Party co-leader Carla Denyer, one of the few Labor casualties on election night.

In her new role, Ms Nandy is to oversee a review of the TV license fee.

Last year, Ms Frazer announced a review of the charge, which funds much of the BBC, as household tax was increased by £10.50 to £169.50 after a two-year freeze on it .

Under the terms of reference of the BBC Funding Model Review, a panel of experts will look at which corporate services could become fully commercial and how much business income the broadcaster could generate.

It will also look at the funding arrangements of the BBC World Service and broadcasting in minority languages.

The Conservative government previously said it was committed to the license fee remaining until the current charter period ends in December 2027.

Labor leaders will decide what happens next with the BBC after considering a commission report due to be released in the autumn.

The Labor Party pledged in its manifesto to work “constructively with the BBC and our other public service broadcasters”, making culture and the arts more accessible and investing in the creative industries as part of its industrial strategy.

First and foremost, for all the latest news from across the UK every hour on Hits Radio on DAB, at hitsradio.co.uk and on the Hits Radio app.