The reshuffle was not a grand design but simply a swapping of chairs
SIR – Like Camilla Tominey (“Johnson’s vanilla reshuffle has left strong players on the backbench”, September 16), I waited hopefully for proceedings to take a more radical turn, and was ready to either expostulate vehemently – or cheer for backbenchers such as Tom Tugendhat and Tobias Ellwood being promoted to roles that suited their expertise and passion.
Ms Tominey is correct: the Prime Minister’s grand reshuffle was not creative or inspirational, just plain boring. I did, however, feel rather sorry for Robert Buckland, who was removed from the role of Lord High Chancellor, and also for Dominic Raab, who has performed well recently.
An object lesson, perhaps, that there really is no justice – and that, in politics, loyalty counts for nothing. Judith A Daniels
Cobholm, Norfolk
SIR – Surely one of the greatest omissions in this reshuffle was the return of Jeremy Hunt. He was among the most effective ministers in the last government. Brexit is behind us and should not be a barrier to his reappointment to the Cabinet. Gerald Lee
Newport, Monmouthshire
SIR – I am bemused by your headline “Gove loses out” (September 16).
Surely a major part of the Conservative manifesto was the pledge to build 300,000 new homes by the mid-2020s.
To get anywhere near that target will require immense drive, energy and determination – qualities for which Michael Gove is known. Anthony Haslam
Farnham, Surrey
SIR – I feel for Dominic Raab. He was undone by poor intelligence in Afghanistan and worked his socks off to get people out before the deadline.
Liz Truss was also doing a good job as Trade Secretary. These changes do not help the running of the country. Jack Marriott
Churt, Surrey
SIR – One of the biggest mistakes that a company can make is to promote its best salesman to sales director.
Instead of being out in the field generating business, where they are most effective, he or she is then stuck behind a desk.
I fear that “promoting” Liz Truss to Foreign Secretary may have a detrimental effect on Britain’s future prosperity.
David Miller
Chigwell, Essex
SIR – In what other profession would hard-working people be made to parade in public – filmed and harangued by reporters – while on their way to discover whether they are to keep their job, then come out to face the same reporters who have been speculating on their fate?
Reshuffles should be private, with the results announced the next day. Every politician, good or bad, deserves better than the current system.