Sunak reshuffle: PM to unveil new government department

WORLD  07 February 2023 - 17:24

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will unveil a new government department focused on energy security and change the responsibilities of three others.

There will also be a reshuffle of ministers, with some new names in senior roles, according to BBC.

Sunak has been looking for a new party chairman for over a week now, following the sacking of Nadhim Zahawi.

One well-placed source told the BBC they expected Zahawi's successor to be Trade Minister Greg Hands.

Sunak's cabinet will be meeting later to discuss the changes.

Were that to be the case, that would mean Sunak would be looking for a new trade minister.

We understand the current Business Secretary Grant Shapps - a former party chairman - will not be the new party chairman.

It is also expected that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial strategy will be broken up.

A ministry focused on energy security will be created. The prime minister promised last summer - when he was campaigning for the job - to re-establish a standalone Department for Energy.

It is thought Sunak wants more focus on securing the UK's energy future, particularly after the recent price spikes.

One of the new departments is expected to be the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

There is uncertainty at the top of government about whether this new department will take on responsibility for online safety and in particular the Online Safety Bill, or whether it will remain with what was the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

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