Communications minister to quit

Communications minister Lord Carter, Gordon Brown's ex-strategy chief, is to leave his post.

The government says the peer - who is heading up a review of plans to improve broadband access - was always planning to step down during the summer recess.

He will present his Digital Britain report to cabinet on Tuesday before setting out plans to implement its recommendations, it says.

Lord Carter is tipped to return to the private sector, The Times suggests.

He told the newspaper: "I'm beavering away feverishly on my report, that's my only preoccupation."

Mr Carter was made Gordon Brown's strategy chief in January 2008. He had headed up one of the city's best known communication firms, Brunswick Group LLP, and used to be chief executive of media watchdog Ofcom.

The appointment followed a difficult few months for Mr Brown, following the run on Northern Rock, the loss of 25m people's child benefit records and negative press after the prime minister decided not to call an autumn election.

But nine months later he was moved to the department for business as a junior minister for communications, technology and broadcasting and elevated to the House of Lords.

In a statement, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills said: "Lord Carter will present his report to Cabinet on Tuesday.

"We can confirm that he will step down at summer recess with the completion of his work, as originally intended and with the full agreement of the prime minister."

BBC News, 12th June 2009

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