AI minister to attend cabinet, as DSIT axed

Kanishka Narayan has been named as the minister for AI in the new UK prime minister's government, in a role in which he will attend cabinet meetings. Narayan, previously a junior AI and online safety minister, said the move to make the AI minister a cabinet-level role indicated the government's “deep commitment to AI’s importance”.

The promotion of the role comes amid a major cabinet reshuffle under new prime minister Andy Burnham. The changes include the department of science, innovation and technology (DSIT) axed as a standalone entity and the departure of high-profile science and tech ministers.

Rumours about the possible axing of DSIT led to considerable pushback from the tech community. Speaking on X about his role, Narayan said: "The Prime Minister today asked me to attend cabinet as minister for AI, a sign of his deep commitment to AI’s importance. AI is likely the most significant technology in human history, its impact will dwarf other things.”

Other changes see Jonathan Reynolds appointed as secretary of state for business, innovation, science and trade, a department which combines the department of business and trade (DBT) and DSIT. Some of DSIT's responsibilities have also been dispersed to other government departments.

Reynolds previously led DBT in 2024 before moving to a different role a year later.  

Liz Kendall, who headed up DSIT, has stood down from the role while Peter Kyle, who headed up DBT, has left his role.

In her resignation statement, Kendall seemed to warn Burnham about axing DSIT.

She said: "The latest ONS figures show that science and technology are the key drivers of economic growth in this country. It is essential that we maintain this momentum in order to create the jobs and businesses of the future and allow all parts of the country to thrive.”

She added: “If we are to build a modern Britain for a modern age we must do everything we can to support and nurture our world-leading tech sector.”

Lord Patrick Vallance also quit his post as science minister ahead of the cabinet reshuffle.

Vallance said: “After nearly a decade in Government I am stepping down as a minister, for personal reasons. It has been a privilege to serve as the chief scientific adviser and, more recently, science minister and minister for nuclear.”