Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed Sarah Owen and Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent as Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State at the Northern Ireland Office. Both replace Matthew Patrick, who had held the post since September 2025. The reshuffle follows Sir Chris Bryant’s replacement of Hilary Benn as Northern Ireland Secretary. Patrick posted a farewell message praising progress in Northern Ireland, and Education Minister Paul Givan expressed regret at his departure.
Burnham Reshuffle: Sarah Owen and Baroness Anderson Join Northern Ireland Office
Matthew Patrick had been in the role since September 2025 [PA Media]
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has appointed two new ministers to the Northern Ireland Office as part of a wider government reshuffle.
Sarah Owen, the Member of Parliament for Luton North and described here as the first UK MP of South-East Asian descent, has been named Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office. Baroness Anderson of Stoke-on-Trent has also been appointed as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and will serve as House of Lords Deputy Chief Whip.
Both appointments replace Matthew Patrick, who had served as Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office since September 2025. The ministerial changes come shortly after Sir Chris Bryant replaced Hilary Benn as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
Posting on social media, Patrick wished his successor Sarah Owen “every success as you take on the crucial work of supporting, championing and advocating for Northern Ireland.” He described it as an “honour” to have served his country and thanked the people he met while in the role.
“The progress we have seen over decades in Northern Ireland is owed to those who make it possible each and every day.”
Northern Ireland’s Education Minister, Paul Givan, responded to Patrick’s departure, saying he was “sorry to see” him go and praising Patrick’s efforts to build relationships, engage and understand differing perspectives.
The new ministerial team will take up responsibilities for supporting Northern Ireland amid ongoing political and social priorities. The appointments form part of Prime Minister Burnham’s adjustment of government personnel following recent senior changes in the Northern Ireland Office.
Help us improve.
