Kinnock appointed British Council head
Former Labour Party leader Neil Kinnock has been named head of the British Council.
Mr Kinnock will take up the post later this year when he steps down after nearly nine years as vice-president of the European Commission. Mr Kinnock is currently in charge of reforming the euro-civil service.
He said he was “pleased and greatly honoured” to take over the British Council role from Baroness Kennedy.
“The British Council’s prime function is to communicate the creativity and the best attributes of the UK throughout the world through education, cultural promotion and partnership,” said Mr Kinnock. “Its reputation for independence and quality is high and its services are consequently in great demand.”
“I greatly look forward to helping to widen and deepen the work of the British Council with an excellent, professional and forward-looking team in the UK and 110 other countries.”
Foreign secretary Jack Straw formally approved Mr Kinnock’s appointment on the recommendation of an independent panel set up to find Baroness Kennedy’s replacement.
Mr Straw said Mr Kinnock had a “strong interest in the wider education and cultural sphere”. “He (Mr Kinnock) will be a great advocate for the British Council, bringing enthusiasm, integrity and a wealth of knowledge,” the foreign secretary added.
The British Council is a state-funded body task charged with the promotion of the UK’s international reputation for the arts, science and education.
