Paul Boateng appointed to High Commission in South Africa

The Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Paul Boateng today announced his intention to accept the position of High Commissioner to Pretoria, South Africa, following the next general election.

Gordon Brown said:
“Over the past eight years Paul’s contribution to the Government has been exceptional - and it has been my privilege to have worked closely with him at the Treasury.

“I congratulate Paul on his new appointment. He has displayed huge dedication to the cause of African development for many years and it is fitting that, in this year of challenge and opportunity for the African continent, Paul has been given such a pivotal role in our fight against poverty and injustice. I look forward to continuing to work with Paul on this vital agenda”.

Paul Boateng said:
“As a Minister at the Treasury I have had the great pleasure of working with Gordon on two Spending Reviews and three Budgets. It has been a personal honour to play a part in ensuring that our economy remains strong and that our programme of investment in and reform of public services delivers real and lasting improvement for all”.

Notes for Editors

1. Rt Hon Paul Boateng MP is currently Chief Secretary to the Treasury. He was first elected to parliament as MP for Brent South in 1987. Following the 1997 election, was appointed firstly as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department of Health, then as Minister of State and later Deputy Home Secretary at the Home Office. After the 2001 election he was appointed Financial Secretary to the Treasury and in 2002 appointed to the Cabinet in the role of Chief Secretary to the Treasury.

2. It is the Government’s intention that Mr Boateng will take up his new post immediately after the General Election. Until that time he will remain as Chief Secretary to the Treasury and MP for Brent South.

3. Media enquiries should be addressed to Marie-Anne Davies at the Treasury press office on 020 7270 5946.

4. Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the Treasury Correspondence and Enquiry Unit on 020 7270 4558 or by email to public.enquiries@hm-treasury.gov.uk.

5. This press release and other Treasury publications and information are available on the Treasury website at www.hm-treasury.gov.uk. If you would like Treasury press releases to be sent to you automatically by e-mail you can subscribe to this service from the press release site on the website.