Braverman’s return from leave prompts mini reshuffle
BORIS JOHNSON reshuffled his front bench yesterday after a week of rumours about a looming shake-up.
It was a modest change, however, prompted by the return of Suella Braverman from maternity leave, rather than the significant restructuring of his top team that was widely anticipated.
Ms Braverman, 41, was reappointed Attorney General after six months off with her second child.
She was the first Cabinet-level minister to take her entitlement to maternity leave, a move commended by equality campaigners. Previously only junior ministers, including Tracey Crouch and Kemi Badenoch, had taken time off after having children.
Ms Braverman attended Cabinet this week when the Prime Minister’s senior team met in person for the first time in 18 months, after holding video meetings throughout the pandemic. She formally takes up her portfolio again next week.
Special legislation had to be passed by Parliament to enable her to take time off from her ministerial duties.
During her absence her deputy, Michael Ellis, the Solicitor General, took over her role. His place was taken by Lucy Frazer, the prisons minister.
No 10 confirmed yesterday that Mr Ellis and Ms Frazer would return to their previous roles.
Speculation persists that the Prime Minister is preparing a wider reshuffle to clear out underperforming senior ministers. Gavin Williamson, the Education Secretary and George Eustice, the Environment Secretary, are among those tipped for demotion.
Intrigue has spread across Westminster over the date of a possible reshuffle. Some political insiders say it could take place next Wednesday.
Others think it is more likely to come closer to party conference season, or else after the Cop26 climate change summit in November.