Ed Vaizey replaced as UK culture minister

Matt Hancock

Ed Vaizey has been replaced as the minister in charge of the UK’s culture and media sectors, as the fall-out of the country’s recent political changes continue.

Matt Hancock has been appointed minister of state for digital policy at the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, effectively replacing Vaizey, who was minister of state for culture, communications and creative industries.

The UK media sector is still coming to terms with the UK’s decision to vote to leave the European Union, with much uncertainty surrounding how the territory will work with the continent going forwards.

Vaizey’s work in his post communications chief saw him work to thrash out terms of tax credits for animation, kids live-action and live-action programming, and on wider digital initiatives. He began overseeing the digital industries two years ago.

He has been replaced as new British Prime Minister Theresa May continues to implement her own team after replacing former incumbent David Cameron last week.

May has already ousted John Whittingdale, the culture secretary who led royal charter negotiations with the BBC and investigated selling another UK public broadcaster, Channel 4, to the private sector.

Karen Bradley replaced Whittingdale last Thursday.