Devex: Rory Stewart: New DFID chief with a colorful career
“The new U.K. secretary of state for international development, Rory Stewart, has been hailed by the aid community as one of the most qualified ministers yet, having previously served as a junior minister in the department, as well as in the military and foreign service. … Announced as the new head of the Department for International Development Wednesday evening, he replaces former leader Penny Mordaunt, who now heads up the Ministry of Defence. The reshuffle marks a promotion for the 46-year-old who was previously prisons minister in the Ministry of Justice…” (Edwards, 5/2).

Devex: Aid community reacts as Rory Stewart replaces Penny Mordaunt as DFID chief
“…Stewart becomes the department’s fourth leader in three years. … Stewart wasted no time in using his new role to defend the U.K. aid budget, which is the third-largest globally after the United States and Germany. Speaking to the BBC’s Robert Peston on Wednesday evening, he reiterated his earlier support for the U.K.’s commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on aid — something that a number of Conservative members of Parliament have been challenging in recent months — and spoke specifically about the importance of addressing climate change…” (Abrahams, 5/1).

The Guardian: Penny Mordaunt becomes first ever female defense secretary
“Penny Mordaunt becomes the U.K.’s first female defense secretary after being tipped for the job two years ago after the sacking of Michael Fallon. It is a post that seems more suited to her background than her previous job as international development secretary. Mordaunt is a Royal Navy reservist, a former minister for the armed forces, and the MP for Portsmouth, home of HMNB Portsmouth…” (Elgot, 5/1).