Claire Coutinho replaces Grant Shapps

Claire Coutinho has been appointed as energy secretary, replacing Grant Shapps who has departed to take up the defence secretary job.

The 38-year-old has only been in parliament since 2019 and has held junior ministerial roles since last year.

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Coutinho became an MP in the December 2019 election

Coutinho, whose role also includes the net zero brief, was previously an education minister. She has also been a minister for children and a minister for disabled people.

Coutinho began her career in the City before becoming an MP four years ago after winning the safe Tory seat of East Surrey.