Rishi Sunak announces cabinet reshuffle
Rishi Sunak has announced a mini-reshuffle as he replaces his sacked Tory chairman Nadhim Zahawi and tries to boost his party’s disastrous poll ratings.
The prime minister’s loyal ally Greg Hands has been named as successor for Mr Zahawi, sacked for breaching the ministerial code over his tax affairs.
The PM has broken up the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) into separate ministries – creating a new energy department and merging trade into business.
Business secretary Grant Shapps has been moved to become the new energy and net zero secretary, while Kemi Badenoch is promoted to business and trade secretary as part of the Whitehall shake up.
Mr Sunak has also split the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) department. Michelle Donelan has a new role as science and technology secretary, while Lucy Frazer replaces her as culture secretary.
Meanwhile, deputy PM Dominic Raab has survived the mini-reshuffle, despite growing pressure for him to stand down as the investigation into bullying allegations takes place.