Rishi Sunak-Toby Melville/Reuters
Rishi Sunak conducted a small cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday that saw Greg Hands appointed as the new leader of the Conservative Party.
Former Trade Minister Mr Hands replaced Nadhim Zahawi, who was sacked more than a week ago after a row over his tax affairs.
Mr Sunak’s restructuring of his top team went further than some expected, with changes in a number of Cabinet roles.
These included a significant increase in the powers of Kemi Badenoch, who will take up the newly combined post of business and trade secretary, and the appointment of Grant Shapps – the former business secretary – to a designated energy security and net zero brief.
The Prime Minister wrote on Twitter: “Government must reflect the priorities of the British people and be designed to do something for them. These changes will keep teams focused on the issues that create a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.”
The Telegraph takes a look at the changes Mr Sunak hopes will strengthen government as he seeks to deliver on his “five promises” and reverse the Conservatives’ current deficit in the opinion polls.
Grant Shapps – Secretary for Energy Security and Net Zero
Grant Shapps Jordan Pettitt
Mr. Shapps, who previously headed the Corporate, Energy and Industrial Strategy (Beis) division, has changed responsibilities.
His role has now been streamlined to focus fully on energy and the government’s net-zero targets.
Michelle Donelan – Secretary for Science, Innovation and Technology
Michelle Donelan-Neil Hall/EPA
Ms Donelan, the former Minister for Culture, is taking on the new role of Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology.
It’s part of Mr Sunak’s emphasis on science and innovation, in which he hopes the UK can become a world leader.
Kemi Badenoch – Minister for Economy and Trade
Kemi BadenochKirsty Wigglesworth
Ms Badenoch, who previously worked at the Department for International Trade, will take on a joint role as Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
She remains President of the Trade Committee and Minister for Women and Equality. Her new role means more power for Ms Badenoch, who finished fourth in last summer’s Conservative leadership competition.
Lucy Frazer – Secretary for Culture, Media and Sport
Lucy Frazer Richard Townshend
Mrs. Frazer takes on the role of Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport. In the past, the job title also included “digital”, another sign of the shift in responsibilities.
She was promoted from her previous post as Minister for Housing and is also a former Attorney General and Minister for Prisons.
Greg Hands – Leader of the Tory Party
Greg Hands – Henry Nicholls/Reuters/Alamy Stock Photo
Mr Hands, who was previously a minister in the now merged Department of International Trade, will take on the role of leader of the Conservative Party.
He was a prominent supporter of Mr. Sunak and played an active role in his leadership campaigns.
Mr Sunak tweeted on Tuesday morning: “I am delighted to be asked by Rishi Sunak to become leader of the Conservatives.
“I joined the party in 1986 – Municipal President 1992, Councilor 1998, Group President 1999, MP 2005, Minister 2011 – I am honored to lead in 2023! The work starts immediately.”
George Freeman – Minister of Science
Mr. Freeman will serve under Ms. Donelan in the new Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
He is to assume a largely similar role to that previously held in the Ministry of Economic Affairs as Science, Research and Innovation Minister.
Nus Ghani – Minister of Trade
Nus Ghani confirmed her appointment as minister at the Ministry of Economy and Trade before it was officially announced by No.10.
“Busy to do and I look forward to continuing with Foreign Secretary Kemi Badenoch,” Ms Ghani wrote on Twitter.
Previously, she was Minister at the Department of Economy, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
What happened to Dominic Raab?
Dominic Raab remains Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Justice.
An investigation is currently underway into eight formal complaints relating to Mr Raab’s conduct. He said late last year he would “refute and refute” any allegations against him, which he staunchly denies.
Asked whether Rishi Sunak should use the reshuffle expected today to remove Dominic Raab from the cabinet, Andrew Mitchell, a Foreign Office minister, said Tuesday morning: “No. There is a trial surrounding these allegations made against Dominic and that trial should be followed.”
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