AI minister role boosted but tech department axed in Burnham shake-up
Kanishka Narayan will attend cabinet - but no longer have the leadership of a technology secretary.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"AI is likely the most significant technology in human history. Its impact will dwarf other things."
— Kanishka Narayan , Politician
"The abolition of DSIT is clearly a bad thing but if anyone could make up for it in Cabinet it would be Kanishka who knows start-ups and the ecosystem better than anyone in Government."
— Dom Hallas , Executive
"Elevating an AI Minister to cabinet at least sent a signal the Prime Minister was serious about having someone serious in this key role."
— Gina Neff , Academic
"Without power there's no compute, without the compute there's no knowledge economy."
— Adam Beaumont , Executive
Key People
Beaumont is the chairman of telecoms and digital infrastructure firm AQL.
Andy Burnham is the chief minister of Jersey and a prominent Labour Party figure.
Hallas is the head of the tech trade body, the Startup Coalition.
Gina Neff is a Professor of Responsible AI at Queen Mary University London.
AI Minister of the UK.
Liz Kendall is the Technology Secretary of the United Kingdom.
Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
Locations
All Coverage
Kanishka Narayan will attend cabinet - but no longer have the leadership of a technology secretary.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
UK PM Burnham exchanged messages with White House imposter
Downing Street has declined to comment on the security breach, first reported by Politico.
August 17, 2026 at 11:20 AMEXCLUSIVE: Inside the Google executive moves that led to its big AI reshuffle - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Google executive moves that led to its big AI reshuffle Reuters
August 12, 2026 at 05:59 PMTata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran to step down in February
Chandrasekaran said he would not seek reappointment when his term ends due to a lack of support from the Tata Sons board.
August 12, 2026 at 08:50 AMUK's Burnham laments death of academic Arday as a "tragedy on so many levels" - Reuters
UK's Burnham laments death of academic Arday as a "tragedy on so many levels" Reuters
August 15, 2026 at 11:31 AMUK PM Burnham announces more funding for drought-hit farmers - Reuters
UK PM Burnham announces more funding for drought-hit farmers Reuters
August 15, 2026 at 09:21 AMBurnham warned Iran war could hit UK growth next year
The conflict in the Middle East has pushed up oil and fuel prices, and also disrupted supply chains.
August 12, 2026 at 02:17 PM