Prime Minister Andy Burnham has sacked Hilary Benn as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Chris Bryant has been announced as his replacement at the Northern Ireland Office.
In a statement on social media, Benn confirmed he is returning to the backbenches.
“It has been a great privilege to serve as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and to work with the many wonderful people I have met over the last 2 years.
“I wish my successor all the very best in working with the Executive to protect stability, continuing to generate growth and investment and in taking forward the Troubles Bill which is so important for so many families.
“The Prime Minister will have my full support from the backbenches.”
Mr Benn served as Shadow NI Secretary from September 2023 until his appointment to Cabinet in July 2024, when Labour won a landslide majority in the House of Commons.
DUP leader Gavin Robinson has thanked Mr Benn for his service and said the party ‘looks forward to engaging with the incoming Secretary of State’.
“I thank Hilary Benn for his service as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and wish him well for the future.
– Gavin Robinson MP, DUP leader
While we have had significant disagreements on a number of important issues, particularly legacy, the Windsor Framework and the need for Government to act more decisively in Northern Ireland’s interests, those differences were always advanced robustly and respectfully.
The office of Secretary of State carries immense responsibility, and whoever succeeds Mr Benn must recognise the importance of working constructively with all parties whilst working to strengthen Northern Ireland’s place within the United Kingdom, and the need to deliver stable, accountable government that delivers the best services and outcomes for our people here.
The Democratic Unionist Party looks forward to engaging positively with the incoming Secretary of State in the interests of all the people of Northern Ireland.”
