Member News
By Tony Grew - 22nd September 2009
Margaret Hodge has returned to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as minister of state.
The MP for Barking stood down from the role in the October government reshuffle to care for her husband and was replaced by Barbara Follett.
Sir Henry Hodge died in June.
Downing Street announced on Tuesday that Hodge will return to DCMS as minister for culture, creative industries and tourism.
Follett is to take up the post of undersecretary of state at the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The position has been vacant since June, when Sarah McCarthy-Fry moved to the Treasury.
Recent rumours of a reshuffle in government had focused on Baroness Scotland, the attorney general.
Her position as the government's senior law officer has been questioned after it emerged she employed an illegal immigrant, Tongan cleaner Loloahi Tapuifor, for more than six months.
The UK Border Agency has fined her £5,000 for breaching the rules on employing migrant workers.
But Gordon Brown said he would not be dismissing her.
"In line with the ministerial code I have consulted the cabinet secretary and, given the UK Border Agency is satisfied she did not knowingly employ an illegal worker and took steps to check the documents, I have concluded that no further action is necessary given the investigation and action that has already been taken by the appropriate authorities and her unreserved apology," the prime minister said.
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd