Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms

The Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms is a mid-level position in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology of the British Government^[1] It is currently held by MP Chris Bryant and was previously held by Julia Lopez and John Whittingdale.^[2]

United Kingdom Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms
Royal Arms of His Majesty's Government
Incumbent Chris Bryant since 8 July 2024
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology
Style	Minister of State
Reports to	Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Nominator	Prime Minister
Appointer	The Monarch (on the advice of the Prime Minister)
Term length	At His Majesty's pleasure
Formation	7 March 2023
First holder	Julia Lopez
Website	Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms

Responsibilities

The minister has responsibility of the following policy areas:^[3]

• Digital infrastructure and telecoms
• Building Digital UK (BDUK)
• Data protection (including Data Bill)
• Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
• Digital inclusion
• Space sector growth and UK Space Agency (UKSA)

List of ministers

Minister			Took office	Left office	Political party	Ministry
Minister of State for Data and Digital Infrastructure
		Julia Lopez MP for Hornchurch and Upminster	7 March 2023	9 May 2023	Conservative		Sunak
		John Whittingdale[a] MP for Maldon	9 May 2023	20 December 2023	Conservative
		Julia Lopez MP for Hornchurch and Upminster	20 December 2023	5 July 2024	Conservative
Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms
		Chris Bryant MP for Rhondda and Ogmore	8 July 2024	Incumbent	Labour		Starmer