West Cumbria Mining Ltd’s application for a coking coal mine will once more be decided by Michael Gove MP after being previously dismissed as the minister in charge.
MINISTERIAL CHANGES
The Government initially called in the application in March 2021 by the then secretary of state Robert Jenrick.
He ordered a public inquiry following concerns by opponents to the mine and the Committee for Climate Change, before his removal in a Cabinet reshuffle.
In July 2022, his successor levelling up secretary Mr Gove was due to issue his decision but was sacked by the then prime minister Boris Johnson, causing the decision to be delayed.
Greg Clark MP became secretary of state at the Department for Levelling up, Housing and Communities, with a decision expected in November 2022.
Today, new prime minister Rishi Sunak reappointed Mr Gove to the post.