Lawrie’s Back (Again)

Guess who’s back in the government game?

Lawrie Hooper MHK has snagged not one but two new gigs after stepping down as Health and Social Care Minister in October.

He’s now a political member of both the Department of Infrastructure (DoI) and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA).

At the DoI, Lawrie will be rubbing shoulders with Minister Dr. Michelle Haywood MHK and Dawn Kinnish MLC, along with newbie Joney Faragher MHK.

Over in DEFA, he’ll team up with Minister Clare Barber MHK and Tanya August-Phillips MLC to tackle all things green and growing.

The Lawrie Loop

Lawrie’s been on a bit of a departmental tour these past few years.

After leading the DHSC for most of Alfred Cannan’s reign, he briefly stepped away in 2022, letting Rob Callister have a go.

That didn’t last long, though—Rob got the boot, and Lawrie ended up running both DHSC and Enterprise until Tim Johnston took over at DfE in February 2023.

His latest exit from the DHSC followed some tough times as the department faced mounting challenges in health and social care.

Reshuffle Madness

Lawrie’s new roles come amid a major government reshuffle.

Claire Christian is the new boss at DHSC, despite having supported a no-confidence vote against Chief Minister Cannan.

David Ashford has returned as Cabinet Office Minister (yes, that David Ashford), and Tim Crookall is now a Minister Without Portfolio—whatever that means.

Meanwhile, Dr. Michelle Haywood is steering the ship at DoI, where Lawrie’s likely got plenty to keep him busy.