Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appointed Grant Shapps energy and net zero secretaries in a government reorganisation.
As part of the reorganization, the old department responsible for business and energy was divided.
Greg Hands has replaced Nadhim Zahawi, who was fired for his tax issues and replaced by Greg Hands.
Lucy Frazer receives a promotion and will now lead a simplified department of culture, media, and sport.
In the following hours, Mr. Sunak’s cabinet will meet to examine the revisions.
According to opposition parties, reorganizing government departments would cost taxpayers millions of pounds. And Mr. Sunak’s reshuffle is a demonstration of weakness.
However, according to the government, the reforms will assist departments in focusing on the prime minister’s goals.
The government stated that the new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will be tasked with ensuring the nation’s long-term energy supply, reducing energy costs, and halving inflation.
Mr. Sunak has committed to boosting the British economy, but the escalating cost of energy bills. Which is partly due to the conflict in Ukraine, is one of the most significant obstacles.
During his campaign for Conservative leader last summer, Mr. Sunak pledged to reestablish a separate department for energy.
Shapps appointed energy secretary
Ed Miliband, the shadow climate and net zero secretary for Labour stated that “rearranging deckchairs on the Titanic of failed Conservative energy policy would not save the nation.”
As a result of Mr. Sunak’s modifications, the departments of commerce and trade have been amalgamated under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch, and a new department dedicated to science, innovation, and technology has been established under the direction of Michelle Donelan.
Ms. Donelan will continue to lead the controversial Online Safety Bill through the House of Representatives.
The government asserts that the new Department of Science, Innovation, and Technology would “drive the innovation that will improve public services, create new and better-paying employment, and expand the economy.”
The Department for Business and Trade will “support growth by backing British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment, and championing free trade,” while the Department for Culture, Media, and Sport will “recognize the importance of these industries to our economy and build on the United Kingdom’s position as a global leader in the creative arts.
Dominic Raab’s role as deputy prime minister
There have been no changes to Dominic Raab’s role as deputy prime minister. Mr. Sunak is awaiting a report on claims of bullying against Mr. Raab before deciding his future.
Mr. Hands, a former trade minister, will play a crucial role in Conservative campaigning ahead of the May local elections and the likely general election next year.
He assumes the position barely over a week after Mr. Zahawi was fired for violating the ministerial code. By failing to disclose that his tax affairs were under scrutiny.
The timing of the reorganization surprised some members of Mr. Sunak’s political party.
The Liberal Democrats have also called attention to the cost of reorganizing departments, citing the Institute of Government studies.
The think tank has projected that the cost of establishing a new government department will be £15 million. Rising to £34 million if worker productivity is lost while they acclimatize to the new organization.
Since assuming office in October of last year, Mr. Sunak has been under pressure to exert his control over his administration and party, following the departure of two prime ministers during a period of heightened political instability.
His administration has had political issues in recent weeks, and the Conservatives continue to trail Labour in the polls.
