In a swift overhaul of the cabinet following the resignation of Keir Starmer, newly appointed Prime Minister of the UK, Andy Burnham, has named Miatta Fahnbulleh as the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Fahnbulleh takes the helm at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), replacing Ed Miliband, who has been appointed as Foreign Secretary.
A member of the Labour and Co-operative Party, Fahnbulleh previously served as an economic advisor to the new Prime Minister.
Reacting to her appointment, Fahnbulleh expressed her gratitude on social media, describing it as "An incredible honour to be appointed Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero".
STRONG BACKGROUND IN ECONOMICS & POLICY
Fahnbulleh brings extensive economic expertise and policy experience to the role.
Born in Liberia, her family moved to the UK after fleeing civil war.
She went on to study philosophy, politics, and economics at the University of Oxford before earning a PhD in economic development from the London School of Economics.
Prior to entering Parliament at the July 2024 general election, she served as Head of Cities in the Cabinet Office policy unit between 2011 and 2013, Director of Policy and Research at the IPPR think tank, and Chief Executive of the New Economics Foundation from 2017 to 2023.
During the 2024 election campaign, she acted as a senior economic advisor to both Angela Rayner and Ed Miliband.
Her history with DESNZ is not new; she served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the department between July 2024 and September 2025 as minister for energy consumers, before becoming Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for devolution, faith, and communities.
KEY PRIORITIES & IMMEDIATE CHALLENGES
A longstanding advocate for greater action on climate change, Fahnbulleh has previously called for increased investment in initiatives to cut emissions, alongside local industrial strategies designed to create green jobs in retrofitting and renewable energy.
However, her immediate priority will be addressing the cost-of-living crisis and soaring household expenses.
Fahnbulleh highlighted her commitment to easing the burden on families, showing concern for rising energy costs and stating on X:
"Families are struggling with their energy bills and this VAT cut to electricity will give some breathing space this winter. My focus now is working to bring bills down for good," she said.
Reports also suggest the new Secretary may pursue a more positive approach to oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. --OGN / Trade Arabia News Service
