TWO more new faces have been appointed to the Northern Ireland Office as part of the ministerial shake-up by prime minister Boris Johnson.
Julian Smith was last week appointed to replace Karen Bradley as secretary of state.
Supporting him will be minister of state Nick Hurd, son of former secretary of state Douglas Hurd, who replaces John Penrose.
Lord Duncan of Spingbank, who represents the government in the House of Lords, retains the position of under secretary of state.
Worcester MP Robin Walker will share the role of under secretary in what is a new appointment.
He is also under secretary of state at the Scotland Office.
Eton and Oxford-educated Mr Hurd (57), MP for Ruislip, Northwood and Pinner, was previously minister of state at the Home Office. He also holds the post of minister of London.
His responsibilities will include Brexit, security-related issues and legacy management.
His father Douglas Hurd was Secretary of State for Northern Ireland under prime minister Margaret Thatcher from 1984-85.
Lord Ian Duncan has held his role since October 2017 and up until last week had carried out the same role in the Scotland Office.
He holds a doctorate in paleontology from Bristol University.
His responsibilities include engagement with community groups, including around parading, and the Armed Forces Covenant.
Mr Walker said he will work to ensure the union thrives "through Brexit and beyond".
The Oxford graduate was minister at the Department for Exiting the European Union under Theresa May.
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has reportedly told a meeting of the cabinet that he will taking the title of 'minister for the union' - as promised during his leadership campaign - alongside that of prime minister.
