Standard content for Members only
To continue reading this article, please login to your Utility Week account, Start 14 day trial or Become a member.
If your organisation already has a corporate membership and you haven’t activated it simply follow the register link below. Check here.
Alok Sharma has been appointed as the new secretary of state for business, energy and industrial strategy (BEIS), replacing Andrea Leadsom who has been sacked from the cabinet.
Sharma had served as the secretary of state for international development since July and before that was the minister for employment at the Department of Work and Pensions.
The MP for Reading West will also take on the role of president of COP26 climate change summit in Glasgow.
It followed Leadsom’s sacking from her second stint heading up the energy department (after being DECC minister in the coalition government), which began in July after Boris Johnson’s ascension to prime minister.
Leadsom confirmed her departure on Twitter, where she said: “It has been a real privilege to serve in government for the last six years, and in BEIS for six months. I now look forward to focusing on my constituents and on my 20+ year campaign to see every baby get the best start in life.
“I’m particularly proud of my work in BEIS on net zero and the #CountDowntoCOP and on making the U.K. the best place in the world to work and to grow a business. Huge thanks to my brilliant team in BEIS.”
Environment secretary, Theresa Villiers, has also confirmed she has lost her job. She has been replaced by George Eustice, previously minister of state for agriculture, fisheries and food at Defra
In a Facebook post, Villiers said: “What the Prime Minister giveth, the Prime Minister taketh away.
“Just over six months ago, I was delighted to be invited by the PM to return to government after three years on the backbenches. This morning he told me that I need to make way for someone new.”
Meanwhile, transport minister George Freeman, who was heavily involved with the government’s electric vehicle strategy, has also been moved on.
He tweeted: “On my bike. It’s been a huge privilege to shape the new £FutureOfTransport Strategy at @transportgovuk w @grantshapps & brilliant DFT team, & help the PM make this an inspiring @OneNationCons Government of Renewal. Sad not to be part of it.”
The reshuffle has so far been overshadowed by the resignation of chancellor, Sajid Javid, who has been replaced by Rishi Sunak, who was previously chief secretary to the Treasury.
Please login or Register to leave a comment.