Sunak names new Business and Trade Secretary
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has named a new Business and Trade Secretary as part of a cabinet reshuffle aimed at kickstarting his faltering premiership.
The Tories’ fourth reshuffle in seven months has seen Kemi Badenoch emerge as the Business and Trade Secretary. She moves from Secretary of State for International Trade, which sees Grant Shapps move to a new department and become new the new Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary.
Badenoch ran against Sunak in the aftermath of Boris Johnson’s resignation. She was eliminated in the fourth round of voting in a campaign which she infamously railed against net zero carbon targets. She will remain Minister for Women and Equalities alongside her new role.
The Tories also have a new party chairman – Greg Hands, an international trade minister, will replace Nadhim Zahawi as the new Conservative party chairman.
Meanwhile, a new government department has been set up – for Science, Innovation and Technology, headed up by Michelle Donelan.
A statement from Number 10 said: “A new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, has been tasked with securing our long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation. The move recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net zero.
“A dedicated Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will drive the innovation that will deliver improved public services, create new and better-paid jobs and grow the economy. Having a single department focussed on turning scientific and technical innovations into practical, applicable solutions to the challenges we face will help make sure the UK is the most innovative economy in the world.
“A combined Department for Business and Trade will support growth by backing British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment and championing free trade.”
