UK Tech Secretary Liz Kendall Resigns Amid Andy Burnham’s New Government

Liz Kendall, the United Kingdom’s technology secretary, left government when Andy Burnham formed a Labour administration, ending a tenure that oversaw the Sovereign AI initiative, a £1.1 billion AI hardware programme and the introduction of a ban on under‑16s using social‑media platforms and new VPN restrictions. In her departure statement Kendall praised the measures, saying, “AI is the most powerful technology of our lifetimes and we need greater leverage and sovereign control to make AI work for Britain and the British people.” She also pledged to support the new prime minister. Burnham’s incoming cabinet is reviewing the future of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with industry leaders warning that the department could be broken up and the funding streams for AI and chip projects may be at risk.

The policy changes affect tech firms, AI developers, chip manufacturers and advertising agencies, while the child‑safety ban reshapes how platforms interact with users under 16. The outcome of the review will determine whether the high‑value funding commitments and regulatory reforms remain in place.