Indian-origin minister Baroness Vadera quitting cabinet to help G20 nations fight recession

New York, Sep. 25 (ANI): British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has confirmed that Indian-origin business minister Shriti Vadera is leaving the Government to take up her new role as Britain's representative with the G20 group of leading nations.

Baroness Vadera, who had been central to Brown's economic plans during the economic downturn, has been asked to work closely with South Korea who takes over the leadership of the G20 after Britain.

According to Brown, Vadera, who had been a vital ingredient to the success of the G20 meeting in London in April, was asked to assume her new role following a request from Korean President Lee.

"I have asked Shriti Vadera to now work with the South Koreans and the presidency of the G20 to prepare the ground to work with them to make the G20 next year as successful and more successful that this year's," The Telegraph quoted Brown, as saying.

Brown and Vadera are currently in New York for meetings at the UN before travelling to Pittsburgh for the G20 meeting.

"In her new role Shriti will significantly strengthen the UK's engagement with the G20, including working with the Republic of Korea as the next chair. I thank her for her dedicated work as a Government minister," Brown said.

Vadera, who has worked with Brown for last 10 years, will keep a desk at the Cabinet Office, and is likely to still work closely with the Prime Minister who has come to rely heavily on her advice, the report says.

Earlier, Downing Street had refused to comment on speculation that Lady Vadera, an important member of the Prime Minister's inner circle, was quitting to take up a new post.

Brown's cabinet has been plagued by ministerial resignations in recent months.

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: "Shriti has worked tirelessly to ensure businesses, especially small businesses, are supported through the Recession and emerge stronger at the other side. Shriti has real passion for the G20 and has done excellent work already promoting international action to tackle the financial crisis." (ANI)