Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced four new government departments in Whitehall as part of a mini Cabinet reshuffle. The departments for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; Digital, Culture, Media and Sport; and International Trade have been replaced with four new government departments.
A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will take responsibility for shoring up the UK’s energy needs, while also supporting opportunities in renewable and nuclear energy to meet the country’s 2050 Net Zero target. The department will be led by former BEIS Secretary, Grant Shapps.
A dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will take on the DCMS’s digital brief, as well as focus on leveraging the UK’s leadership in scientific and technology innovations to deliver economy growth. Michelle Donelan MP has appointed as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
With focus on digital technologies moving to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, a re-focused Department of Culture, Media and Sport will support growth in the UK’s sporting and creative sectors. Lucy Frazer MP will serve as Culture Secretary.
A new Department for Business and Trade will bring together support for businesses in the UK with efforts being made to grow exports and relationships with other economies around the world. Former Secretary of State for International Trade, Kemi Badenoch MP, will take on the role of Business and Trade Secretary.
Today’s (7th February) announcement also sees Greg Hands MP joining the Cabinet role of Conservative Party Chair, replacing Nadhim Zahawi following revelations about his tax affairs while Chancellor. Gavin Williamson MP will also no longer attend cabinet as a Minister without Portfolio.
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