So at last it's clear - @AlokSharma_RDG is the new President of #COP26, also taking up the SoS role at @beisgovuk
Not one of the names mentioned in dispatches over the last couple of weeks, and perhaps not one of those whom the phrase 'Cabinet heavy-hitter' called to mind - but there's some rationale to the appointment
Being a COP President is primarily about diplomacy - it's an international process, owned collectively by 195-odd UN member states. And @AlokSharma brings experience in both the @foreignoffice and @DFID_UK
The latter suggests he's also likely to appreciate the importance of listening to developing countries and prioritising their key issues, such as ensuring the $100bn per year promised in 2009 for delivery this year materialises
Former physics student, Salford not Oxbridge - both unusual for this Cabinet. (How often have we heard the lament 'not enough scientists in government'?)
A major challenge will be spanning both #COP26 and the rest of the @beisgovuk agenda, which won't exactly be quiet... energy white paper, possibly @Ofgem reform, and a vast heap of #Brexit issues for the business community overall
As SoS @GregClarkMP dealt with it basically by delegating climate change to his ministers, first @NickHurdUK and later @copwatch26... not sure delegation will be feasible this year
He also needs the rest of the Cabinet to step up on putting UK demonstrably on track to #netzero before the summit opens - widely regarded as the minimum needed if the UK is to credibly play a 'world leadership' card in Glasgow
And to stop needing natural allies the EU. And the Scottish government
So, an intriguing appointment. Already much interest from other countries' climate change watchers who've been troubled by the last two weeks' events. Much to do between now and November
