Reshuffle is no silver bullet, No 10 warned

THE Conservative Party chief whip has warned Theresa May that a reshuffle to reassert her authority will not be a “silver bullet”.

The Daily Telegraph understands that Gavin Williamson has raised concerns with Downing Street that holding a reshuffle carries significant risks.

It came after the Prime Minister indicated that she could demote Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary, at the end of the month.

Whips have raised concerns that a reshuffle may lead to instability and could create new enemies for her on the back benches.

Mrs May’s suggestion prompted a furious response from Mr Johnson’s allies.

They claimed Mr Johnson will “just say no” if she tries to demote him and warned that sacking him would undermine the Government.

One told The Telegraph that moving Mr Johnson would go down like a “bucket of cold sick” with Brexit voters, while another said there is a “stench of death” emanating from Downing Street. Mr Johnson yesterday distanced himself from the comments.