DSIT Confirms New Ministers for Digital Government, AI and Digital Economy as GDS Leadership Shifts

DSIT confirms new digital government and AI ministers: what it means for your team

Following the recent cabinet reshuffle, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has set out a refreshed ministerial line-up and their remits. Four of five ministers at the department moved on, with Liz Kendall replacing Peter Kyle as secretary of state. The sole incumbent, Lord Patrick Vallance, now also leads on nuclear alongside science, innovation, and research.

Updates to roles have been reflected on GOV.UK, clarifying how digital, data, AI, and online safety will be led across government. For a full overview, see DSIT ministerial responsibilities.

Key appointments and briefs

Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Leads DSIT following the reshuffle. Sets overall direction across science, technology, and innovation policy.

Lord Patrick Vallance, Minister for Science, Innovation, Research and Nuclear
Existing role expanded to include nuclear. Continues stewardship of UK research, science policy, and innovation.

Ian Murray, Minister for Digital Government and Data (DSIT/DCMS)
Responsible for public sector reform, digital identity, digital products, and data policy. Split between DSIT and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; previously served as secretary of state for Scotland.

Kanishka Narayan, Minister for AI and Online Safety
Oversees the AI Security Institute and the Intellectual Property Office, plus the semiconductor sector. Leads government's Tech for Growth and AI Opportunities initiatives; this is his first ministerial post after winning the Vale of Glamorgan seat in 2024.

Liz Lloyd, Minister for Digital Economy (DSIT/DBT)
Leads on cyber, telecoms, space, digital inclusion, and digital skills. The DBT portion covers digital trade policy, tech adoption across the economy, and supporting the use of GOV.UK One Login by businesses. She is set to join the House of Lords as a life peer.

What's changed from the previous line-up

The prior structure included Feryal Clark (AI and digital government), Chris Bryant (data protection and telecoms), and Baroness Maggie Jones (digital economy and online safety). Responsibilities have been rebalanced, with clearer separation across digital government and data, AI and online safety, and the digital economy.

Leadership changes in the civil service

Government chief digital officer Joanna Davinson has left her post. DSIT permanent secretary Emran Mian has taken interim oversight of the Government Digital Service and the wider cross-government digital and data function, working with senior GDS leaders. Longer-term leadership plans will be set out in due course.

Implications for departments and ALBs

• Prepare for direction on digital identity and digital products; ensure your service roadmaps align to cross-government standards.
• Expect renewed focus on data policy; tighten data governance, metadata, and sharing agreements.
• Plan adoption milestones for GOV.UK One Login, including business-facing use cases where relevant.
• For AI policy, track guidance linked to the AI Security Institute and the IPO; review IP, model evaluation, and assurance processes.
• If you operate in cyber, telecoms, or space, anticipate closer coordination with DSIT/DBT on resilience, standards, and procurement.
• Strengthen digital inclusion and skills plans-evidence demand, budget, and delivery models for 2025/26.
• For semiconductor or advanced tech projects, map your programmes to DSIT's Tech for Growth and AI Opportunities initiatives.

Next steps

• Assign senior leads to each ministerial brief area and establish a monthly policy watch.
• Refresh your service strategy to reflect digital identity, data-sharing, and One Login integration.
• Run an AI risk and assurance review covering safety, IP, and procurement across your portfolio.
• Update your workforce plan to cover priority skills in data, AI, cyber, and product management.

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