Science department abolished as UK’s new prime minister Andy Burnham appoints first cabinet

One of Andy Burnham’s first acts as new UK prime minister has been to abolish the government’s dedicated science department. Responsibility for the science and innovation portfolio now lies with the business department, following the appointment of key members of Burnham’s cabinet.

The change sees the departure of Liz Kendall, who had served as science secretary since September 2025, and Patrick Vallance, who announced his resignation as science minister ‘for personal reasons’ on Monday. Labour MP Jonathan Reynolds has been appointed as secretary of state for business, innovation, science and trade, having previously served as business and trade secretary from July 2024 until September 2025.