David Willetts is appointed minister of state for universities, science and skills

David Willetts has taken on the role of minister of state for universities, science and skills, a role formerly held by John Denham during the Labour government.

He has previously served as the shadow secretary of state for innovation, universities and skills, shadow secretary of state for work and pensions and shadow secretary for trade and industry.

He is a governor of the Ditchley Foundation, a member of the Council of the Institute for Fiscal Studies, a member of the Global Aging Commission and a visiting professor at Cass Business School.