UK's Sunak shuffles cabinet to bolster pledges on economy

FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reacts as he leavesTeesside University in Darlington, Britain, January 30, 2023. Oli Scarff/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled his cabinet on Tuesday, breaking up two departments to better suit his pledges to spur the economy, reduce energy prices and turn around his party's fortunes before an election expected next year.

Sunak created a new energy security and net zero department, led by former business minister Grant Shapps, and three other departments, with one focusing on science and innovation, a personal passion for the British leader.