Peer appointed Crown dependencies minister

Lord Ponsonby is a Labour life peer

Lord Ponsonby has been appointed UK government minister with responsibility for the Crown dependencies.

The life peer is a member of the Labour Party.

He follows former Conservative MP Mike Freer as justice minister with responsibility for the Crown dependencies.

Lord Ponsonby has previously been opposition spokesman for home affairs and justice.

The Ministry of Justice is the UK government department responsible for managing the UK's constitutional relationship with the Crown dependencies.

Jersey's External Relations Minister Ian Gorst said: "I have written to congratulate Lord Ponsonby on his appointment and will be meeting him in September.

"I, and my ministerial colleagues, look forward to working with him and continuing to maintain the close and important relationship between Jersey and the UK government.”

The States of Guernsey has been contacted for comment.