Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has created two new government departments, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade.

Following mini-reshuffle of the Cabinet, required by the sacking of Nadhim Zahawi as Minister without portfolio and Chair of the Tory party, the Prime Minister has split the remit of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) between two new departments: the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Department for Business and Trade.

The government said that new energy and net-zero department has been tasked with securing the country's long-term energy supply, bringing down bills, and halving inflation.

It says the move, fulfilment of a promise made by Sunak during his leadership campaign, recognises the significant impact rising prices have had on households across the country as a result of Putin’s attack on Ukraine, and the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net-zero. The department will be led by Grant Shapps, the former Secretary of State for BEIS.

The Department for Business and Trade, by comparison, will, according to the government, aim to support growth by backing British businesses at home and abroad, promoting investment and championing free trade. It is headed up by Kemi Badenoch, the former International Trade Secretary, who remains President of the Board of Trade, and Minister for Women and Equalities.