Rishi Sunak became the 57th Prime Minister on Tuesday and one of his first duties is to select a cabinet.
But what do they do?
The Cabinet is a group of around 20 members that each have separate roles which manage different areas of the country.
Some of these cabinet members are in charge of large departments:
Chancellor of the exchequer:
- Widely regarded as the second most powerful person in the country. The Chancellor is the minister at the head of the treasury, which is responsible for the country’s money.
- This position is now held by Jeremy Hunt.
Home Secretary
- This is held by Suella Braverman
- She is now responsible for all national security, immigration and policing matters.
- She will run the home office.
Defence Secretary
- Has been held by Ben Wallace since Boris Johnson became Prime Minister in 2019.
- They are in charge of the nation’s defence and has a voice in foreign policy.
Education Secretary
- Held by Gillian Keegan, who became the fifth in four months.
- She has control over education policy and is responsible for the national curriculum and schools development.
Health Secretary
- Responsible for the running of the department of Health and Social Care.
- This includes oversight of the English NHS.
- Also is responsible with international health partnership (WHO).
- Currently held by Steve Barclay.
In Rishi Sunak’s new cabinet there are seven women and five people of colour, including the Prime Minister.
