UK Gets Muslim Minister of Culture

LONDON

Britain has appointed its first male Muslim Cabinet minister following the resignation of Culture Secretary Maria Miller in a political row over expenses.

Member of Parliemant for Bromsgrove, Sajid Javid, will become the Conservative Party's first Asian, Muslim male Cabinet Minister.

Javid, who describes himself as a non-practicing Muslim, was appointed as economic secretary to the Treasury last year. A former banker, he became a vice-president of Chase Manhattan bank in New York at the age of 25. 

Javid, whose father came from Pakistan in 1961, will be responsible for policy on broadcasting, sport, media, tourism, telecoms, equalities and the arts.

However, he courted controversy last month after making comments that women did not “merit” serving on the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee.  He told MPs that the nine-strong, all-male committee "consists of individuals who are best-qualified to make the decisions necessary to achieve the government's monetary policy objectives".

The number of women in the Cabinet after Miller’s departure is three.    

Javid has been seen as a rising star within the Conservative Party and has been tipped by some as a future leader.

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