Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reshuffled his cabinet following the sacking of Conservative Party chair Nadhim Zahawi, who was forced out after failing to declare an HMRC investigation into his tax affairs. The overhaul, described as “relatively limited,” included the breakup of several departments, but no one other than Zahawi was dismissed from government.
Grant Shapps, in his fourth cabinet role in five months, becomes secretary of state for energy security and net zero, leading the newly created Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. The MP for Welwyn Hatfield will focus on securing long-term energy supply, reducing bills, and halving inflation. Downing Street said the new department aims to improve energy security policies and help curb inflation.
Michelle Donelan takes over as secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, heading the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. She retains responsibility for the online safety bill and the UK’s delayed semiconductor plan. Donelan, previously the shortest-serving cabinet minister in British history, also announced she would take maternity leave in 2023.
Kemi Badenoch becomes secretary of state for business and trade, merging the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy with the Department for International Trade. She continues as minister for women and equalities, though her role remains unclear. Badenoch will prioritise post-Brexit trade deals, including stalled negotiations with the US and India.
Lucy Frazer is appointed secretary of state for culture, media and sport. The reshuffle also saw the creation of a new energy department, reversing the 2016 scrapping of the Department for Energy and Climate Change. Sunak’s moves are seen as an attempt to shore up support after a poll slump.
