Editorial Comment:
Cabinet reshuffles are much-anticipated Westminster events that invariably fail to live up to their advance billing unless there is a total ideological reformation taking place, as with Margaret Thatcher’s defenestration of the so-called “wets” in 1981. Removing the Foreign Secretary, however, gave a dramatic edge to the changes announced yesterday. Arguably, Dominic Raab’s position became untenable following the row over his failure to return from holiday to handle the Afghanistan crisis. He becomes Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor, with the blow softened by the added title of deputy prime minister.
Boris Johnson will be aware that the last FCO incumbent to be shunted aside and given the role of deputy premier was Sir Geoffrey Howe in 1989. His simmering resentment at the way he was treated eventually triggered the events leading to Mrs Thatcher’s downfall.
The new Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, has shown great aptitude in charge of the trade portfolio, which remains of crucial importance to Britain’s economic prospects. Her primary task is to project the UK’S soft power in the new post-brexit world, although, unlike Mr Raab, she was a Remainer. She is popular in the party, especially with the grassroots, and as an occupant of one of the great offices of state is now well-placed to become the country’s third female prime minister should a vacancy arise.
The least surprising announcement was the departure of Gavin Williamson from Education. His supporters believe he has been unfairly blamed for the pandemic’s impact on schooling in England when he was implementing a policy over which he had little control. His successor, Nadhim Zahawi, is rewarded for his astute oversight of the Covid vaccine programme. He potentially brings a less confrontational approach to the job but will need to be tough enough to face down any attempts by the teaching unions or scientists – or MPS for that matter – to force schools’ closure again.
Michael Gove’s move to Housing indicates that Mr Johnson is anxious to see movement in this critical area but he will clash with Tory council leaders across England over the Government’s controversial planning reforms. Forcing new homes to be built on greenfield sites will be a source of local friction in the run-up to the general election in 2024. The job of placating them and a growing number of disgruntled shire Tories has been given to Oliver Dowden, the new party chairman.