Replacements for Oliver Dowden and Margot James yet to be announced
Government’s two main digital and technology-focused ministerial roles are currently unfilled following incoming prime minister Boris Johnson’s Cabinet reshuffle.
As part of the shake-up, minister for implementation Oliver Dowden has been promoted to minister for the Cabinet Office – a role that will see him attend Cabinet meetings. His previous brief included responsibility for the Government Digital Service, as well as the Crown Commercial Service, Infrastructure and Projects Authority, government cybersecurity, and Civil Service HR.
It is not yet clear whether all of his former duties will be taken on by a direct replacement, be dispersed across two or more junior ministers, or whether he will retain some or all of them.
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Dowden takes over the Cabinet Office’s top ministerial job from David Lidington, who resigned concurrently with outgoing PM Theresa May. The other role previously held by Lidington – the roving position of chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster – has been given to Michael Gove.
At the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, meanwhile, the secretary of state position is now filled by Nicky Morgan, replacing Jeremy Wright, who no longer holds a ministerial post.
The previous minister with dedicated responsibility for digital and the creative industries, Margot James, resigned last week after voting against the government and backing an amendment designed to prevent Johnson from proroguing parliament.
Her post is yet to be filled.
PublicTechnology contacted the Cabinet Office and DCMS and was advised that junior ministerial roles and the precise detail of ministers’ portfolios will become clear over the next few days.
