Andy Burnham, newly sworn in as the UK’s prime minister today, has appointed Jonathan Reynolds as secretary of state for business, innovation, science and trade.
The role combines two existing departments. Under former prime minister Keir Starmer, the department of business and Trade (DBT) was headed up by Peter Kyle, while the department for science, innovation and technology (DSIT) was led by Liz Kendall. Reynolds previously headed up DBT from 2024 until September last year, when he was appointed chief whip.
Meanwhile, Kanishka Narayan was elevated from his role in the Starmer government, where he oversaw AI and online safety policy, to a cabinet-level position focused on the technology.
Over the weekend, speculation had mounted over whether Burnham was set to absorb DSIT into a wider business focused department.
DSIT was created in 2023 under former prime minister Rishi Sunak to bring together responsibility for science, AI, digital regulation and innovation. Since then it has overseen flagship initiatives including the UK's AI Opportunities Action Plan, investment in sovereign AI compute and the expansion of the AI Security Institute.
The reports that DSIT could close prompted a swift backlash from startup founders, investors and tech policy leaders, with several arguing that another Whitehall reorganisation would consume time better spent delivering on the UK's AI and digital ambitions.
Elsewhere, Burnham appointed John Healey, former defence minister, as his chancellor.
