Prime Minister Boris Johnson continues to rebuild his ministerial team, following Wednesday’s huge cabinet reshuffle.
The move comes as the prime minister promises to “build back better” after the coronavirus pandemic.
This is his biggest shake-up since taking office at No 10. Justice Secretary Robert Buckland and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson both received the sack from their roles. Meanwhile, Liz Truss has replaced Dominic Raab as foreign secretary. Ms Truss is now the first Tory female, and second woman overall, to hold the post. She is delighted by the appointment and will use it to “promote a positive, outward vision of global Britain”.
In a process which could take days, Mr Johnson is now expected to also shuffle around his middle ranking and junior ministers.
On Thursday morning, Penny Mordaunt left her position as paymaster general at the Cabinet Office, becoming a minister at the trade department. John Whittingdale will also step down as a data minister at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
The revamp gives opportunity for Conservative MPS elected in 2019 to take on their first jobs in government.
The changes
The changes on Wednesday include:
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi promoted to education secretary following Mr Williamson’s dismissal.
Michael Gove replacing Robert Jenrick as housing secretary, to become New Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary. Mr Gove will now have the additional responsibility for the government’s “levelling up” agenda. This is designed to spread wealth and opportunity across the country. He will also continue to deal with demands for another Scottish independence referendum.
Treasury minister Steve Barclay is now in place of Mr Gove as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.
Mr Dowden appointed as Conservative Party co-chair. He has since reportedly told Conservative Campaign Headquarters to begin preparations for a possible general election in 20 months’ time.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan promoted to international trade secretary to replace Ms Truss.
Mr Raab becoming justice secretary, and appointed the official title of deputy prime minister.
Nadine Dorries promoted from junior health minister to her first cabinet-level role as culture secretary.
A refreshed team
Following the issues of Brexit and the emergency Covid crisis, the moves present the hope of a refreshed team who can get things done. Downing Street hopes that new faces can push forward reforms and make changes. Whether it’s regarding new housing, school exams or prison sentences. Almost two years after the general election, it’s time for Boris Johnson to enter a new act as prime minister.
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