New look Council of Ministers revealed

Mon, 03 Mar 2014

New faces have joined CoMIN

Three government ministers have been relegated to the backbenches following a Council of Ministers shake up.

Health Minister David Anderson will be replaced by Middle MHK Howard Quayle - he'll assume responsibility for the new merged department of Health and Social Care.

Infrastructure Minister David Cretney is out - and Rushen MHK Laurence Skelly in - the news represents first time ministerial posts for both Mr Quayle and Mr Skelly.

Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen is to be replaced by Social Care Minister Chris Robertshaw for the remainder of March - Mr Robertshaw will then take on the new position of Minister for Policy and Reform.

Chief Minister Allan Bell has paid tribute to the outgoing ministers: