Frank Z.R. Goldsmith is new Minister for Overseas Territories

A new Minister for Overseas Territories has been appointed in the United Kingdom (UK) Government.

Frank Zacharias Robin Goldsmith, referred to as Lord Goldsmith MP, has been appointed as Minister of State for Overseas Territories,Commonwealth, Energy, Climate and Environment.

This information was confirmed by the Governor’s Office in the British Virgin Islands on November 2.

Lord Goldsmith succeeds the Jesse Norman MP as Minister for Overseas Territories, who has been appointed as a Minister in the Department for Transport.

The third Overseas Territories minister so far this year, Lord Goldsmith is a life peer and is well known for his support of environmental issues.

Goldsmith has also helped to fund the conservation of wildlife in Britain’s overseas territories.

The son of the late billionaire businessman James Goldsmith, Lord Goldsmith is one of the UK’s wealthiest politicians.

Since taking up the post on 1 November,Goldsmith has cancelled the annual meeting of UKOT leaders which was due to take place this week.

It is likely the sudden cancellation was fuelled by his late appointment after his predecessor Jesse Norman was moved to Transport under the new PM Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet Reshuffle.

A new date for the Joint Ministerial Council has not yet been release