Uchenna Izundu
International Editor
LONDON, Nov. 14 -- UK Sec. of State Alistair Darling, who leads the UK Department for Trade and Industry, will assume responsibility for energy in a reorganization that gives energy cabinet-level status for the first time in more than a decade.
Former Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has been appointed science minister following the surprise departure of David Sainsbury from that post.
A spokesman told OGJ that the DTI soon will clarify how the energy portfolio will be distributed within the government.
"Darling will still be focused on the major consultations that are taking place at the moment for the energy white paper which we hope to publish next year," he added.
The UK Offshore Operators' Association welcomed Darling's personal involvement in energy. In its response to the government's Energy Review earlier this year, UKOOA stressed that UK energy policy was so important that it deserved a place in the cabinet.
Contact Uchenna Izundu at [email protected].
