Menu
14/02/2020
PM Names Brandon Lewis As NI Secretary
Brandon Lewis has been appointed to the role of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
The Great Yarmouth MP is a former chair of the Conservative party and held the role of Security Minister in Boris Johnson's previous cabinet.
His appointment comes amid Thursday's cabinet reshuffle that saw the Prime Minister sack Julian Smith after 204 days in the job.
Mr Lewis spoke to the First and deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill this morning, 14 February, after posting on Twitter that he was "honoured" to be taking on the role.
"I am honoured to have been appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the Prime Minister. This is an exciting time for Northern Ireland & I follow fantastic colleagues as predecessors, whose work I hope we can continue to build on."
Following his meeting with the DUP and Sinn Fein leaders, Mr Lewis added: "Looking forward to working with them & the executive team."
The new Secretary will have a full in-tray in the coming weeks as the Executive moves to implement commitments in the 'New Decade, New Approach' Stormont deal and fulfil a £661 million Department of Health budget requirement.
Mr Lewis, who is the region's fourth Secretary in four years, is also under pressure to implement the full legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont and begins his role to a backdrop of disappointment at Julian Smith's sacking.
(JG/CM)
The Great Yarmouth MP is a former chair of the Conservative party and held the role of Security Minister in Boris Johnson's previous cabinet.
His appointment comes amid Thursday's cabinet reshuffle that saw the Prime Minister sack Julian Smith after 204 days in the job.
Mr Lewis spoke to the First and deputy First Ministers Arlene Foster and Michelle O'Neill this morning, 14 February, after posting on Twitter that he was "honoured" to be taking on the role.
"I am honoured to have been appointed Secretary of State for Northern Ireland by the Prime Minister. This is an exciting time for Northern Ireland & I follow fantastic colleagues as predecessors, whose work I hope we can continue to build on."
Following his meeting with the DUP and Sinn Fein leaders, Mr Lewis added: "Looking forward to working with them & the executive team."
The new Secretary will have a full in-tray in the coming weeks as the Executive moves to implement commitments in the 'New Decade, New Approach' Stormont deal and fulfil a £661 million Department of Health budget requirement.
Mr Lewis, who is the region's fourth Secretary in four years, is also under pressure to implement the full legacy mechanisms agreed at Stormont and begins his role to a backdrop of disappointment at Julian Smith's sacking.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 November 2024
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
Other News In Brief
DfC Launch Public Consultation On Gender Pay Gap A consultation on proposed changes to Section 19 of the Employment Act (Northern Ireland) relating to the requirements for employers to publish information on the pay of male and female employees has been launched by the Department for Communities.
07 June 2021
'More Difficult' If Poots Does Not Take First Minister Role - Lewis
The NI Secretary of State has said that Edwin Poots' decision not to take on the First Minister's role will make things more difficult and that it would be a mistake. Brandon Lewis suggested to the Sunday Times that Mr Poots would not have regular access to the secretary of state or with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
'More Difficult' If Poots Does Not Take First Minister Role - Lewis
The NI Secretary of State has said that Edwin Poots' decision not to take on the First Minister's role will make things more difficult and that it would be a mistake. Brandon Lewis suggested to the Sunday Times that Mr Poots would not have regular access to the secretary of state or with Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
11 May 2009
Planners To Weigh-Up Economic Factors
Greater weight will be given in the future to what is described as "the economic consideration of NI planning proposals". NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson (pictured) told the Assembly he had decided to clarify the situation to ensure planners could play a full and positive role in assisting economic recovery.
Planners To Weigh-Up Economic Factors
Greater weight will be given in the future to what is described as "the economic consideration of NI planning proposals". NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson (pictured) told the Assembly he had decided to clarify the situation to ensure planners could play a full and positive role in assisting economic recovery.
13 June 2022
UK Govt To Produce New Protocol Legislation
The UK Government is set to publish new legislation to give Ministers the power to scrap part of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Protocol is part of the UK government's Brexit deal that keeps Northern Ireland within the EU Single Market. However, this has resulted in checks on goods coming into NI from the rest of the UK.
UK Govt To Produce New Protocol Legislation
The UK Government is set to publish new legislation to give Ministers the power to scrap part of the Northern Ireland Protocol. The Protocol is part of the UK government's Brexit deal that keeps Northern Ireland within the EU Single Market. However, this has resulted in checks on goods coming into NI from the rest of the UK.
14 November 2024
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
New Defence Heritage Record Launched
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has welcomed the launch of a new Defence Heritage Record, a comprehensive resource detailing over 4,500 sites constructed across Northern Ireland in response to World War One and Two, as well as the Cold War.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
