Ros Altmann appointed as Pensions Minister

11/05/15
News

Ros Altmann appointed as Pensions MinisterFollowing his shock election victory, David Cameron has surprised many people with his choice of Pensions Minister in the new government.

Whilst his choice, Ros Altmann would appear to be extremely well suited to the role, it had been widely reported that before the election she has turned down the opportunity to be Pensions Minister, in favour of a more wide ranging brief as Consumer Protection Minister.

However, following the election, when the Conservatives secured a majority and the incumbent Pensions Minister Steve Webb, lost his seat, it became clear a new candidate would need to be found.

Despite initial speculation that the post had been filled by David Gauke, it was confirmed late this afternoon, that Ros Altmann will take the role.

Consumer champion

It was announced before the election that Altmann would be appointed as a Conservative peer allowing her to take up such a role.

In a high profile career, which includes a spell at Harvard University, Ros Altmann has regularly championed the rights of consumers, focusing particularly on the plight of pensioners in recent years.

A high profile supporter of Pensions Freedom, Altmann has also called for the cost of investing into pensions to be reviewed and supported plans to allow people who have already bought an Annuity, to exchange the income they receive for a one off lump-sum.