The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy could be broken up today as part of a cabinet reshuffle prompted by the sacking of Nadhim Zahawi.
The prime minister is poised to implement the reshuffle as he appoints a new Conservative Party chair and minister without portfolio.
One government source said the reshuffle would be “relatively limited”, with only a small “domino effect” caused by the replacement of Zahawi, who was sacked over his tax affairs. Others suggest that it could be more extensive, pointing out that a cabinet meeting has been pushed back by an hour this morning with further changes expected in the afternoon.
Levelling up secretary Michael Gove is expected to remain in situ. Business secretary Grant Shapps had been tipped to take the chairman role, although other sources said that is unlikely.
It is understood that the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy could be broken up during the reshuffle, merging business and trade and setting up a new science and digital department. Rishi Sunak has already pledged to create a separate energy department.
It is as yet unclear what impact this might have on more junior positions, such as housing ministers.
