Sunak carries out mini-reshuffle after minister steps down

Rishi Sunak has reinstated a dedicated disabilities minister and named a new Deputy Foreign Secretary in a mini-reshuffle after his energy minister announced he was stepping down.

Mims Davies will become minister of state for disabled people, health and work following a backlash among charities accusing the Government of “downgrading” the position.

Ms Davies had already been confirmed as disabilities minister, but said she would be carrying out the work alongside her brief as parliamentary under secretary of state for social mobility, meaning there was no minister dedicated solely to disabilities.

Mims Davies (UK PArliament)

Mr Sunak also used the mini-reshuffle to appoint Justin Tomlinson as energy minister after Graham Stuart announced his departure from the role to focus on local issues.

Meanwhile, development minister Andrew Mitchell has been named Deputy Foreign Secretary.

The Sutton Coldfield MP, who served in David Cameron’s Cabinet during the coalition years, was given the “honorific title” on Friday, Downing Street said.

Justin Tomlinson (Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament)

The shake-up comes after Mr Stuart announced he was standing down from his ministerial position to focus on local issues such as broadband delivery and making roads safer in another blow to Mr Sunak’s government.

Mr Tomlinson, who previously served as disabilities minister, will take over the role.

The reinstatement of a dedicated disabilities minister comes after charities said the brief should not be given to someone “juggling other responsibilities”.