The UK has a new film minister as Shaun Woodward has beennamed the new Creative Industries and Tourism Minister, replacing James Purnell.

After his Labour partydidn't fare well in last week's local elections, Prime Minister Tony Blair madesignificant shifts among government leaders. As part of the changes, Purnell was moved from his post at the Department ofCulture Media and Sport (DCMS) to become Minister of State for Pensions at theDepartment for Work and Pensions.

Woodward previously workedfor the television side of the BBC, includingresearch and producer posts on That's Life, Newsnight, and Panorama.He has also published three books.

"Ten years of working in thebroadcasting industry will undoubtedly help me both understand and promote thecreative industries within Britain and across the world," Woodward said.

"This is a massivelyexpanding part of the UK economy and represents a collective set ofindustries for which the Government must create a climate to enable furthergrowth and expansion. Whether it's television, film, computer games or themusic business we have a fantastic set of opportunities with which I amthrilled to engage."

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell added: "I'm very pleased to welcome Shaun toDCMS. He arrives at an important time. I look forward to working with him oneverything from digital switchover, to licensing, to keeping our film and musicindustries healthy and vibrant."

Woodward's post extends farbeyond film, also including music, broadcasting, tourism, alcohol licensing,press and censorship, IT and science.

He had previously beenParliamentary Under Secretary of State at the NorthernIreland Office. He was elected Labour MP for St Helens South in 2001 andre-elected in 2005. He was a member of the Parliamentary Joint Commons and Lords Committee of Human Rights from 2001 to2005. Woodward formerly served as a member of the Foreign Affairs SelectCommittee and European Union Scrutiny Select Committee.