Bloodletting

Big guns in the firing line as PM plans reshuffle

Damian Green’s departure means changes are needed THERESA MAY PM ON HER CABINET RESHUFFLE

THERESA May is set to wield the axe today with a host of top names expected to be sacked or demoted in her Cabinet reshuffle.

Education Secretary Justine Greening, Tory Party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin and Business Secretary Greg Clark are among those tipped to get the chop.

Others believed to be at risk include Transport Secretary Chris Grayling and Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom, Mrs May’s one-time rival for the party leadership.

Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis are all expected to keep their posts.

Jeremy Hunt could be the highest profile mover, amid speculation that he will be shifted from the Department of Health into the Cabinet Office to replace Damian Green, who was sacked as First Secretary of State amid porn allegations last month.

The PM is expected to use the reshuffle to promote younger MPs and improve diversity.

Mrs May confirmed the reshuffle would take place “soon”. She told the BBC: “Obviously, Damian Green’s departure before Christmas means some changes do have to be made, and I will be making some changes.”

Pressed on whether she would still be party leader the next time the country went to the polls, she replied: “Obviously, I serve as long as people want me to serve.”

Among the names tipped for promotion are backbencher James Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch, who introduced the Prime Minister before her disastrous party conference speech in October.

Foreign Affairs Committee member Nusrat Ghani, who helped write a report into the botched election, and Climate Change Minister Claire Perry, are also contenders.

And Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis has been tipped to take over as party chairman.