7 FEBRUARY 2023 | NEWS
The Prime Minister has today conducted a mini-reshuffle of his Cabinet in what is said by Government sources to be an attempt at harmonising the machinery of governance to deliver on his policy agenda.
The move comes following widespread speculation in Westminster over the past 36 hours that a reshuffle was in the offing. It has been the first major move to shift the composition of the Cabinet table by Rishi Sunak since he assumed the premiership following the resignation of Liz Truss in late October last year.
The reorganisation of Whitehall will result in the creation of several new Government departments: the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero; the Department for Business and Trade; and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It would appear that the Digital element of the new Department for Culture, Media and Sport is to be rehomed into the lattermost.
Following the dismissal of former Party Chairman Nadhim Zahawi over a tax scandal just over a week ago, Rishi Sunak has appointed former Trade Minister Greg Hands to be his replacement.
Kemi Badenoch, who until today had been the Secretary of State for for International Trade, will now continue in a similar role at the newly created Department for Business and Trade. She will also maintain her role as the President of the Board of Trade and Minister for Women and Equalities.
Grant Shapps, a former Transport and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Secretary (department now defunct), will assume the Energy Security and Net Zero role.
Lucy Frazer, who has served in various junior ministerial roles in the Treasury, Justice, Transport and Housing Departments, and as the Solicitor-General for England and Wales, has been made Secretary of State for the newly slimmed-down Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
She succeeds Michelle Donelan, who was also a former Education Secretary, who will now be responsible in Cabinet for Science, Innovation and Technology.
Although it had previously been speculated in Westminster that Dominic Raab would be dropped from the Cabinet as both Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary, this has not taken place today.
The Government’s full official statement on today’s reshuffle can be read below:
“To ensure the whole of government is geared up to deliver for the British people, the Prime Minister, with the approval of His Majesty The King, has today created four new departments.
The changes will ensure the right skills and teams are focussed on the Prime Minister’s five promises: to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats.
A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has been tasked with securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation. The move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net zero.
A dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will drive the innovation that will deliver improved public services, create new and better-paid jobs and grow the economy. Having a single department focussed on turning scientific and technical innovations into practical, appliable solutions to the challenges we face will help make sure the UK is the most innovative economy in the world.
A combined Department for Business and Trade will support growth by backing British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment and championing free trade.
Finally, a re-focused Department for Culture, Media and Sport will recognise the importance of these industries to our economy and build on the UK’s position as a global leader in the creative arts.”
