junior minister

plural junior ministers

1. governmenta member of a legislative body who holds a position in government below cabinet level, i.e. reporting to the head of a department, not the prime minister or head of government

   One junior minister failed to see why main lines could not simply be turned into motorways and be done with it.

   2024 January 10, Howard Johnston, “Launched for enthusiasts - now it's for everyone”, in RAIL, number 1000, page 28

   1 more example

   The junior minister Nadine Morano, who recently said Dati had been served a political career "on a golden platter", suggested she go back to her roots and run in rural Burgundy, where she grew up in a poor family of 11 children.

   2011 December 14, Angelique Chrisafis, “Rachida Dati accuses French PM of sexism and elitism”, in Guardian