Chris Bryant appointed Northern Ireland Secretary

Chris Bryant, the Member of Parliament for Rhondda and Ogmore, has been appointed as the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. The appointment, confirmed on July 21, 2026, is part of a wider cabinet reshuffle following Burnham's installation as Labour leader. Bryant succeeds Hilary Benn, who held the post for two years after being appointed by former Prime Minister Keir Starmer in July 2024.

Bryant, who previously served as Minister of State at the Department for Business and Trade, met with the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street to receive the office. His extensive political career includes roles as Minister of State for Science, Innovation and Technology and for Culture, Media and Sport, as well as chairing the House of Commons Committees on Standards and Privileges. Before entering Parliament in 2001, Bryant worked as a BBC executive and served on a local council.

The departure of Hilary Benn, the MP for Leeds Central, was announced on July 20. In a statement on social media, Benn described his tenure as a "great privilege" and pledged his full support to the new Prime Minister from the backbenches. He highlighted ongoing priorities for...