Former Conservative Party chairman and transport secretary Sir Patrick McLoughlin has been appointed as chairman of the British Tourist Authority.
He replaces former Virgin Atlantic boss Steve Ridgway who has completed his three-year term.
McLoughlin, who was MP for Derbyshire Dales until last year, will chair the Visit Britain tourism board for three years from June 1.
He was government chief whip from 2010 to 2012, before becoming transport secretary in 2012.
McLoughlin was later appointed chairman of the Conservativie Party and chancellor to the Duchy of Lancaster.
Most recently Mcloughlin, who was knighted by former Prime Minister David Cameron, was a member of the business select committee before stepping down at last year’s general election.
Former Brexit department chief of staff Nick de Bois has been appointed as chair of the Visit England advisory board.
De Bois, who was formerly special adviser to Dominic Raab, previously chaired the government’s UK Events Industry Board.
