Torsten Bell to remain in post as pensions minister

According to the government's list of ministerial appointments, updated last night (22 July), Bell will remain in the role of parliamentary secretary jointly in HM Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Bell took on the role in January 2025, replacing Emma Reynolds and has overseen extensive pension reform. He has been a member of parliament for Swansea West since 2024 and prior to this he was chief executive of the think tank Resolution Foundation.

The reappointment brings "welcome certainty and continuity", according to LCP. Partner Steve Webb said: "It is good news that we are not to see a third new pensions minister in barely two years. A revolving door in this key post creates uncertainty and instability in the industry. Instead we have seen the reappointment of someone who has clearly engaged with the post and sought to bring a clear strategic direction to pensions policy.

"We can now expect to see the ‘pensions roadmap' set out earlier in July implemented with vigour. In particular, we can expect to see new areas like retirement collective defined contribution given continued impetus. And, once the Pensions Commission has reported early next year, it is highly likely that a new Pensions Bill will be brought forward in 2027 to implement its key findings and to set the agenda for pensions for decades to come. It is to be hoped that we are seeing a new and welcome era of certainty and continuity in pensions policy."

Pensions UK executive director of policy and advocacy Zoe Alexander said Bell "has shown he can deliver ambitious reform as a pensions minister", adding the organisation is "glad to see him stay in post to see that through".

She added: "Maintaining momentum will be critical to delivering better outcomes for savers. We look forward to continuing our engagement with Torsten Bell and ministers across DWP and the Treasury on our shared priorities of strengthening retirement outcomes, improving pension adequacy and building a pensions system that works for both savers and the wider economy."

Hymans Robertson head of pension policy innovation Calum Cooper noted with a "substantial programme" of reform already underway, "the continuity provides an opportunity to maintain momentum and focus on delivery".

"We have seen significant progress across a range of policy areas, from pensions adequacy and retirement outcomes to productive finance and pensions dashboards. The priority now should be turning proposals into tangible improvements for savers.

"Auto-enrolment (AE) and the state pension have given millions greater financial security in later life. But participation alone is no longer enough. We need a stronger focus on outcomes. That means implementing the outstanding AE reforms, setting a clear long-term path towards higher saving levels and ensuring pension policy reflects the reality of modern working lives. The self-employed, lower earners, carers and those with multiple jobs should not be left behind. The government also needs a plan to get people on the path to adequate retirements before pensions dashboards expose the scale of the challenge."

Cooper continued: "The minister should also focus on unlocking the full potential of peoples' £3trn pension savings. Better retirement outcomes and stronger economic growth should go hand in hand. The UK has an opportunity to use pensions to support greater investment, make better use of defined benefit surpluses, encourage more collective approaches to retirement saving and improve financial resilience. Housing must be part of the conversation too, given the impact it has on retirement adequacy.

"This is a chance to deliver reforms that improve financial independence in later life while also supporting wider prosperity and long-term growth across the UK."

People's Pension chief executive Patrick Heath-Lay commented: "Government reshuffles can be disruptive for any industry, with ministers needing time to get up to speed on their new briefs. At this crucial moment for pension reform, it's fantastic news that we have continuity with Torsten Bell remaining as minister for pensions.

"The minister has brought real vision, energy and understanding to the role, engaging constructively with industry and helping to develop an ambitious programme of reform for the pensions sector. This has seen the delivery of Pension Schemes Act, with the focus now turning to implementing the important changes set out in the pensions' roadmap. The entire government agenda on pensions is substantial, spanning market reform, pension adequacy and productive investment, all of which are critical to improving retirement outcomes and supporting economic growth.

"We are committed to working with the government to deliver better retirement outcomes for millions of hardworking people across the UK, while supporting investment that helps drive long-term economic growth."

Here is the list and history of ministers in full since the role was created in July 1998

This article was first published in May 2012. It was most recently updated on 23 July 2026.