Mr Wicks is expected to take on a special climate change role for the Prime Minister, away from the newly formed department, while the identity of the new energy minister is yet to be confirmed.
He had also been involved in the transposition of the EU Batteries Directive into UK law, a process that is expected to be completed in early 2009 (see letsrecycle.com story).
However, with Mr Wicks' departure, it is unclear whether WEEE and battery recycling will continue to be administered by BERR, or follow Mr Wicks' energy portfolio across to the new department of energy and climate change, which was established on Friday with Ed Miliband at its head (see letsrecycle.com story).
Whitehall sources have told letsrecycle.com that the expectation is that both areas will remain under BERR's remit, but an official announcement is yet to be made.
The personnel and exact responsibilities of the newly formed department for energy and climate change are also unclear, with the only confirmed appointments being Mr Miliband and Moira Wallace, who is acting permanent secretary.
Outlining his hopes for the new department, Mr Miliband said “I am looking forward to the responsibility of running the new department of energy and climate change and working with colleagues across government, including in particular Hilary Benn, who has led Britain's work on climate change with skill and dedication.
“The new department reflects the fact that energy policy and climate change are directly linked. My job is to make sure our policy on climate change is fair for ordinary families and our policy on energy is sustainable for future generations.
He added: “Climate change cannot be tackled by politicians on
their own but through politicians and people working together. I look forward to playing my part.”
Announcements on the full implications of the Cabinet reshuffle are expected in the next few days.
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