Claire Coutinho is appointed Energy Security and Net Zero Secretary

Claire Coutinho has been appointed as the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.

She replaces Grant Shapps, who has moved to the Ministry of Defence as Secretary of State for Defence.

Coutinho was elected in East Surrey in the 2019 General Election and has previously held the role of Minister for Children at the Department for Education.

Her new role will be seen as a significant promotion in government. She had only held her previous role for less than a year.

Claire Coutinho shared the news on X along with a statement from her: “I am delighted to have been appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. I will work with the Prime Minister to safeguard our energy security, reduce bills for families, and build cleaner, cheaper, homegrown energy.”