UK PM Burnham promotes British-Indian AI minister to cabinet, removes Starmer allies

Kanishka Narayan said his elevation, as Minister for AI, is a sign of the new PM's "deep commitment to AI's importance"

Published: July 23, 2026 02:22 pm IST – London Source: PTI

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham finalised his top team within hours of taking charge at 10 Downing Street, promoting British-Indian Minister for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Kanishka Narayan to the Cabinet and purging allies of predecessor Keir Starmer from the government.

Mr. Burnham, who was invited to form the government by King Charles on Monday (July 20, 2026), set about unveiling the team of Ministers who will join him around the Cabinet table soon after. Lisa Nandy is another Indian-origin Minister who holds on to her department, with additional responsibilities as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Kanishka Narayan on AI's Significance

Mr. Narayan said his elevation, as Minister for AI, falling jointly within the Cabinet Office and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, is a sign of the new PM's "deep commitment to AI's importance."

"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."

Background and Personal History

The 36-year-old Bihar-born Labour MP for the Vale of Glamorgan, who held the AI brief as a Junior Minister in former Prime Minister Keir Starmer's team, pledged to act with "pace and ambition" and "focus relentlessly on securing British influence in shaping AI."

"I will also bring to this job the place I represent — a constituency in Wales, a nation with industry and ambition at its heart, a proud history of punching above its weight on the global stage. A nation which welcomed a 12-year old and his family, gave us the best chance at opportunity, put me in Parliament as Wales' first ethnic minority MP, and now affords me the chance to make a mark in Cabinet."

With roots in Muzaffarpur, Mr. Narayan's family moved to the Welsh capital of Cardiff when he was a little boy. He studied at Oxford and Stanford universities before entering politics after a stint in the private sector and has been vocal about the importance of the India-U.K. relationship.

"The question being asked is one of policy continuity in a slightly transitioning political moment; on this question, I feel absolutely convinced that the stability of the depth of our relationship [with India] is a stability we'll continue to see in the months and years ahead," said Mr. Narayan, addressing the India All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) last month.

Lisa Nandy's Reappointment

Lisa Nandy is reappointed to the Ministerial role she has been in charge of since July 2024, with the additional responsibility for digital services too. The 44-year-old MP retains her position in the reshuffled Cabinet.

Kanishka Narayan was elected as the first Indian-origin member of Parliament from Wales in the July 2024 general election. (File photo credit: Reuters)