Minister for the Union


The Minister for the Union is a position created by Boris Johnson during his first ministry, to be held concurrently with his duties as Prime Minister. Johnson proposed the position during the 2019 Conservative Party leadership campaign. The office is intended to emphasise Johnson's commitment to strengthening the bond between the countries of the United Kingdom. He is the first Prime Minister to adopt the title.
In July 2019 the title was described as a "cynical rebranding" by Kirsty Blackman, deputy leader of the Scottish National Party in the House of Commons from 2017-2020, who advocates Scottish independence.
On 4 September 2019, the Government announced £10 million in funding to support the Prime Minister's work as Minister for the Union.
The post has been retained by Johnson in his second ministry. During the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020 Mark Drakeford, the First Minister of Wales and leader of Welsh Labour, drew attention to Johnson's lack of contact with the Welsh Government, saying "If you are minister for the union, speaking to the component parts of the union seems to me a sensible way of discharging those responsibilities."

Responsibilities

In July 2020, one year after its creation, and in spite of its £10 million funding, the gov.uk website continued to show no responsibilities associated with this position.

List of Ministers