Political Updates 1 September 2020

Stay on top of latest political appointments – covering recent changes and moves at a national level in UK politics.

UK Government

Stephen Lightfoot has been appointed to the role of Chair of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Helen Chamberlain has been appointed as substantive chair of the Independent Family Returns Panel (IFRP).

The Queen has approved the appointment of Lord Justice Stephens to the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom as a Justice.

Amanda Spielman will chair a new board committee at Ofqual until the end of 2020.

Susan Acland-Hood has been appointed to the role of Acting Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education.

Cathy Ward has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Malta.

Danny Kinahan has been appointed as the first Veterans Commissioner for Northern Ireland.

Simon Case has been appointed as Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service.

House of Lords

Lord Jones of Birmingham retired on the 31 August.

Lord Williams of Oystermouth retired on the 31 August.

Northern Ireland Executive

Sebastian Graham has been appointed as a member of the Historic Buildings Council.

Kenneth Clayton, Alan Law, Shane McCurdy and Peter Moore have been appointed as members of the Northern Ireland Local Government Officers’ Superannuation Committee (NILGOSC).

Liberal Democrats

Ed Davey has been elected as Leader of the Liberal Democrats, having previously held the role on an interim basis.