Burnham plan to scrap technology department draws backlash from MPs and experts
12 reported2 unconfirmed
Andy Burnham’s plan to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has triggered criticism from MPs, Whitehall officials and tech experts, according to a single-source report. The incoming prime minister has asked officials to draw up plans for the closure as part of a wider Whitehall shake-up, though the plans have not yet been signed off. The backlash comes amid concerns in the Labour party about some of Burnham’s early decisions, including the likely appointment of Shabana Mahmood as chancellor. Sources familiar with the plans say Burnham’s advisers asked officials to work on handing over much of science and technology policy to a more powerful business department led by chief whip Jonathan Reynolds. Responsibility for overseeing AI use in the public sector would go to cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo rather than a minister. A spokesperson for the next prime minister did not respond to a request to comment.
What’s reported
Andy Burnham’s plan to scrap the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has triggered backlash from MPs, Whitehall officials and tech experts.
The incoming prime minister has asked officials to draw up plans to abolish the department as part of a wider Whitehall shake-up.
The plans have not yet been signed off.
Sources say Burnham’s advisers asked officials to work on handing over much of science and technology policy to a more powerful business department led by chief whip Jonathan Reynolds.
Responsibility for overseeing AI use in the public sector would be given to cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo.
Matt Clifford, an AI adviser to outgoing PM Keir Starmer and his predecessor Rishi Sunak, posted on X that the plan would be “a big mistake.”
One Labour MP referred to the plans as “getting rid of the department of the future.”
Dom Hallas, executive director of the Startup Coalition, posted on X that changes to DSIT “would be a mistake.”
Barney Hussey-Yeo, a technology investor, said he was sad about the possible closure.
Burnham’s team is finalising plans over the weekend before he officially takes over as prime minister on Monday.
Some in the tech industry believe Burnham may rethink the idea over the next 48 hours.
A spokesperson for the next prime minister did not respond to a request to comment.
Open questions
Whether the plan to scrap the department will be finalized or reconsidered.
What specific cost of living package Burnham may announce later in the week.
Key figures
Andy Burnham, incoming prime minister
Shabana Mahmood, likely appointee as chancellor
Matt Clifford, AI adviser to outgoing PM Keir Starmer and former PM Rishi Sunak
Jonathan Reynolds, chief whip
Antonia Romeo, cabinet secretary
Yvette Cooper, foreign secretary
Keir Starmer, outgoing prime minister
Dom Hallas, executive director of the Startup Coalition
Barney Hussey-Yeo, technology investor
Sources: The Guardian
