Rishi Sunak has reshuffled his cabinet following the sacking of Tory party chair Nadhim Zahawi, who was forced out for failing to declare an HMRC investigation into his tax affairs. The overhaul, described as 'relatively limited', involved the breakup of several departments, including the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Department for International Trade.
Kemi Badenoch, the MP for Saffron Walden, has been promoted to secretary of state for business and trade. She will lead the newly merged Department for Business and Trade, combining her previous role as international trade secretary with business responsibilities. Downing Street said the merger makes sense for negotiating trade deals that benefit UK business. Badenoch also retains the position of minister for women and equalities, though it is unclear if she will continue in this role.
Grant Shapps, in his fourth cabinet position in five months, becomes secretary of state for energy security and net zero. The MP for Welwyn Hatfield will head the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, focusing on long-term energy supply, reducing bills, and halving inflation. Shapps has previously served as transport secretary, home secretary, and business secretary.
Michelle Donelan has been appointed secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, leading the newly formed Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. The 38-year-old MP for Chippenham will take responsibility for the online safety bill and the UK's delayed semiconductor plan. Donelan previously served as culture secretary for five months.
Lucy Frazer becomes secretary of state for culture, media and sport, taking over the revamped Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). No other ministers were sacked in the reshuffle, which aims to improve energy security and economic policy coordination.
