Vallance stands down for “personal reasons”, whereas Liz Kendall exits as science secretary
Patrick Vallance has resigned as science minister, whereas Liz Kendall has exited as science secretary, forward of recent prime minister Andy Burnham unveiling his ministerial workforce.
Earlier as we speak, Burnham was formally appointed prime minister, changing Keir Starmer. Shortly earlier than Burnham addressed supporters and the media exterior Downing Street, it was reported that Vallance had resigned for “personal reasons”, following virtually a decade in authorities.
Vallance grew to become science minister when Labour took energy in July 2024, having served as the federal government’s chief scientific adviser from 2018 to 2023.
During his time as minister, Vallance sought to reshape public spending on R&D, working with the UK Research and Innovation chief government, Ian Chapman, to hyperlink analysis funding extra intently to the purpose of driving financial progress for the UK.
He was additionally broadly credited with serving to safe a powerful four-year R&D finances within the authorities’s final spending assessment.
Research Professional News has contacted Vallance, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for remark.
‘Outstanding voice for science’
Paul Nurse, president of the Royal Society, stated Vallance had been “an outstanding voice for science in government”.
“His experience from both the lab and business gave him great insight on how best to support science and ensure it led to the public good, including promoting economic growth,” he stated. “His contribution during the pandemic was of huge value to all of us. I am very sorry to see him step down from his role in government. He will be sorely missed.”
John Hardy, professor of neuroscience and group Leader on the University College London Dementia Research Institute, stated: “It was reassuring to have someone with the ear of the prime minister who understood science and medicine. So often, as a community, it feels as if we are talking through interlocutors who do not understand the issues.”
Speaking final month, University of Birmingham vice-chancellor Adam Tickell stated an exit for Vallance could be a blow for science policy stability.
Kendall exit
Meanwhile, in a letter announcing her exit, Kendall described science and expertise as “the key drivers of economic growth in this country”, including: “It is essential that we maintain this momentum in order to create the jobs and businesses of the future and allow all parts of the country to thrive.”
Kendall, who was appointed to the submit in September 2025, additionally stated: “I wish whoever takes on the science and technology portfolio the very best for the future. She or he is fortunate to be overseeing, what is to my mind, the most exciting and transformative brief in government.”
New appointments
Burnham is about to call members of his prime workforce imminently, with ministerial appointments more likely to proceed into tomorrow and Wednesday. Possible replacements for Vallance embrace Chi Onwurah, chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee.
Burnham’s workforce is reportedly planning to merge Dsit right into a bolstered Department for Business and Trade.
The chair of Universities UK, Malcolm Press, and its chief government, Vivienne Stern, have as we speak written to Burnham, urging him to recognise universities as “a reason to be proud of the UK”.
“We know you need universities to be part of the answer to how we get this country back in shape and to work for everyone, everywhere,” they wrote. “Universities are national strategic assets, here to serve the four nations of the United Kingdom.”
More to observe.