The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has officially been scrapped as the new Prime Minister Andy Burnham steps into his role.

However, AI Minister Kanishka Narayan will be given a seat at the new prime minister’s table. Narayan was first appointed as AI Minister under former PM Keir Starmer.

DSIT was first created under the Sunak government in 2023 – the Conservative’s creation will now have its responsibilities split between different government departments.

Reports of its dissolutions caused dismay across the UK tech ecosystem, with former advisors and tech advocates calling the move a “mistake.”

Most of DSIT has now been absorbed by a new business-first department under former business secretary Jonathan Reylonds – the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.

Other aspects of DSIT will go under the newly dubbed Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, led by Lisa Nandy.

Liz Kendall has been dismissed from her role as tech secretary in the cabinet reshuffle.

She said in her resignation letter: “The latest ONS figures show that science and technology are the key drivers of economic growth in this country. It is essential that we maintain this momentum in order to create the jobs and businesses of the future and allow all parts of the country to thrive.”

“If we are to build a modern Britain for a modern age we must do everything we can to support and nurture our world-leading tech sector.”

Time will tell if the inclusion of an AI minister in the cabinet will placait the concerns from the tech industry concerning the scrapping of DIST.

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Narayan commented on his appointment:

“AI is likely the most significant technology in human history. Its impact will dwarf other things.

“The best case for it is compelling beyond our dreams: a reindustrialised Britain, stronger national security, public services transformed for the better.

“The risks, too, are real: it is right that the British public shares those worries, for jobs, for the pace of change.

“The central fact is that it is happening. Nations have a narrow window to decide whether they shape AI or get shaped by it. Britain is in that window right now.

“While that window is still open, I will act with pace, I will act with ambition, and I will focus relentlessly on securing British influence in shaping AI.”