DSIT overhauls ministerial team with new digital-focused appointments

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has announced a major reshuffle of its ministerial team, with four ministers leaving and three new appointments confirmed - a significant reset for the department’s digital and innovation agenda.

Liz Kendall MP has been appointed as Secretary of State, replacing Peter Kyle, who moves to Business and Trade. Kendall will oversee DSIT’s overall strategy, including the government’s digital transformation agenda.

Departures include former digital minister Poppy Gustafsson, who has left government entirely, along with three other junior ministers whose portfolios covered investment (Chris Bryant), data (Baroness Maggie Jones of Whitchurch), and digital government. Feryal Clark, who served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for AI and Digital Government, has left her post. During her tenure, Clark was a prominent voice for digital transformation, leading initiatives like the Blueprint for Modern Digital Government and the AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Their exit leaves Lord Patrick Vallance as the only minister continuing in post. Vallance retains his role as Minister for Science, Research and Innovation but will also take on additional responsibilities in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Two new junior ministers have also been appointed. Kanishka Narayan MP becomes Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, taking on parts of the digital and data brief.
Ian Murray MP joins as Minister of State, with a cross-departmental role covering both DSIT and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport - a link expected to be important for digital connectivity and online policy.

(Photo Credit: House of Commons)