21 February, 2023: The British PM reshuffled his own cabinet. Why? What are the pressing issues? Read to know more.
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reorganized his cabinet to better support his commitments. Prior to the election the following year, Sunak stated that he wanted to concentrate on the economy and lowering energy prices.
With the help of Grant Shapps, a former business minister, Mr. Sunak established a new energy security and net zero department. He also established three other departments, one of which was dedicated to research and innovation, a subject close to the British leader's heart.
Kemi Badenoch, the secretary of commerce, has been assigned a job that now includes business and trade. Former housing minister Lucy Frazer has been chosen to head the new department of culture, media, and sport, while former cultural minister Michelle Donelan will lead the department of science, innovation, and technology. Greg Hands, a former trade minister and senior Conservative party enforcer, was named party chairman.
Furthermore, other parliamentarians suggested Sunak might be using the opportunity to make his impact after he sacked his party chairman over his tax troubles and while an inquiry into claims of intimidation against his deputy prime minister Dominic Raab is proceeding.
Mr. Raab rejects the accusations, and Sunak told reporters he would decide on his deputy prime minister after the investigation was complete.
Business leaders overwhelmingly praised the reforms. Tony Danker, Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), tweeted: "It's a clear statement of intent and a couple of big bets for growth. Though obviously (there is) quite a bit of bureaucracy to mitigate against."
Although some climate activists welcomed the establishment of an energy and net zero department, some expressed concern that it would become too isolated from other ministries, such as business.
Mr. Sunak has been subjected to pressure to lay out his agenda ever since he took office . Some members of his party have questioned whether he is overly bureaucratic and lacks a unifying philosophy or vision for Britain. The Labour Party which is projecting itself as Britain’s next government has massive leads in surveys and Mr. Sunak has not been able to lessen that.
In an effort to win over his MPs ahead of the next election, Sunak pledged in January to address Britain's most pressing issues, including lowering inflation, improving the National Health Service (NHS), and limiting illegal immigration.
