Simon Armitage named United Kingdom's New Poet Laureate

Simon Armitage has been named as United Kingdom's new Poet Laureate.

Details:

• He succeeds Carol Ann Duffy in the 10-year post.
• Queen Elizabeth II has approved the appointment which is Britain's highest literary honour.
• It is up to the poet to decide whether or not to produce poetry for national and royal occasions.
• Previous laureates have included John Dryden and William Wordsworth.

About Simon Armitage:

• Armitage, a professor of poetry at the University of Leeds, has published 28 collections of poetry and his work is studied by British schoolchildren as part of the national curriculum.
• Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright praised Armitage for his witty and profound take on modern life.

About 'Poet Laureate' of the United Kingdom:

• The British Poet Laureate is an honorary position appointed by the monarch of the United Kingdom, currently on the advice of the Prime Minister.
• It is expected that the role holder will write verse for significant national occasions.
• The origins of the laureateship date back to 1616 when a pension was provided to Ben Jonson. But the first official holder of the position was John Dryden.
• John Dryden was appointed in 1668 by Charles II.

Question:

Q. Who has been named as United Kingdom's new Poet Laureate?
a. Simon Armitage
b. Sofia Armitage
c. John Armitage
d. David Armitage