Chris Bryant appointed as Northern Ireland Secretary
Chris Bryant has been appointed as the new Northern Ireland Secretary by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, replacing Hilary Benn. The transition follows Benn's departure from the role after serving under the previous administration.
Why it matters
The Northern Ireland Secretary role is critical for maintaining political stability and managing the legacy of the Troubles in the region.
Chris Bryant has been appointed to serve as the new Northern Ireland Secretary .
The Rhondda and Ogmore MP and former minister for trade and labour was announced by British prime minister Andy Burnham during a long-running process to appoint his Cabinet.
Bryant previously served as an Anglican priest before he was first elected to Parliament in 2001.
The announcement came just after 11pm on Monday after it emerged earlier that Hilary Benn would not be continuing in the role.
Benn pledged to support Burnham from the backbenches as he confirmed he would be leaving the position.
The Labour veteran had been serving in the region since he was appointed by former premier Keir Starmer after their party came back into power in 2024.
Benn was the first person from Labour in the role in 14 years, since the party lost the 2010 general election.
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