Dowden becomes deputy PM

Oliver Dowden has been announced as deputy prime minister, following the resignation of Dominic Raab earlier today. At the same time, he will remain in his role as chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, which he has held since October 2022.

Dowden has been Conservative MP for Hertsmere in Hertfordshire since 2015. He has previously served as paymaster general, the secretary of state for digital, culture media and sport, as well as a minister without portfolio.

Alex Chalk has taken on Raab's other role as justice secretary. Chalk has been Conservative MP for Cheltenham since 2015. Since October, he has been minister of state for defence procurement and before that, he served as prisons minister. He previously worked as a barrister specialising in counter-terrorism, homicide and serious fraud cases. He attended Winchester college, the same school as Rishi Sunak.

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