Maria Miller replaces Jeremy Hunt as government technology lead in cabinet reshuffle

Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has overseen the development of the digital infrastructure in the UK for the last two years including broadband and 4G networks, has been made health secretary in the cabinet office reshuffle.

He is replaced by Maria Miller (pictured), the former parliamentary under-secretary of state for work and pensions.

The appointment marks a notable promotion for a relatively junior member of the upper echelons of the governments overseeing the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

She studied economics at the London School of Economics, graduating in 1985, and has no prior technology-related experience in politics or the private sector, working instead on issues of advertising, gas safety and family welfare.

Despite this, Miller will take on Hunt's role in overseeing several key topics pertinent to the future of the UK, including the rollout of broadband services, the ongoing tensions among mobile operators over 4G rollouts and auctions and issues around file-sharing and copyright.

Hunt's tenure saw him focus on "creating the best broadband network in Europe by 2015" by ensuring 90 percent of homes and businesses can access 25Mbit/s services or above and that everyone can use 2Mbit/s connections by this date.

Hunt also voted for the Digital Economy Act that was tabled by the previous Labour government, despite calling it "a digital disappointment of colossal proportions" in the debates ahead of the vote on the Bill.

Miller didn't vote on the Bill as she was absent from parliament.

Matthew Howett, Ovum's regulation practice leader, said given the various issues facing the technology landscape in the UK, Miller had plenty to deal with on taking office.

"Now more than ever, it is critical that the government keep a close eye on developments in the communications sector," he said.

"It's unlikely we will see any significant divergence in policy on these more immediate items given how far along we are already in the process. However, monitoring how they progress, not hesitating to intervene, and having a more joined up view of the industry will be crucial for success in the role."

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