Rishi Sunak launches his first reshuffle on sinking deck

British PM Rishi Sunak on Tuesday vowed to slash high power bills as he reshuffled his government with a focus on energy, climate net-zero targets and scientific innovation.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in London on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Tuesday vowed to slash high power bills as he reshuffled his government with a focus on energy, climate net-zero targets and scientific innovation.

Mr Sunak created four new ministries in his first cabinet overhaul since his ascent to power in October, as he bids to salvage his ruling Conservatives’ chances in May local elections.

Referencing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he said events over the past year had showed the danger “when we’re reliant on imported energy from hostile countries”.

The surge in energy bills has fuelled a cost-of-living crisis for many Britons and a series of ­public-sector strikes by nurses, ambulance drivers, train workers and others. The inflationary crisis and the Tories’ political infighting have seen the ruling party slump in the polls against the opposition Labour Party.

The reshuffle followed the sacking of Conservative party chairman Nadhim Zahawi over his tax affairs, and as Mr Sunak’s predecessors Boris Johnson and Liz Truss resurface with veiled criticism of his policy agenda.

Mr Sunak appointed close confidant Greg Hands to replace Mr Zahawi in the role of party chair and cabinet minister without portfolio, tasked with avoiding a rout for the Tories in May and at the general election expected next year.

Mr Sunak’s choice of former Labour-turned-Tory MP Lee Anderson as deputy party chairman attracted fierce criticism.

The new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will be headed by Grant Shapps, who was formerly business and energy secretary. Minus its energy portfolio, Mr Shapps’ old business department is being merged with the international trade ministry, whose head and rising Tory star Kemi Badenoch takes on the expanded brief.

Mr Sunak also launched a new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, switching ex-culture secretary Michelle Donelan into that role.

AFP