New Chancellor faces big challenge as Budget looms
BORIS Johnson’s first major Cabinet reshuffle went almost smoothly, despite the shock resignation of Chancellor Sajid Javid.
Replacing Javid will be Rishi Sunak, a relatively new MP who has been loyal to Johnson since he ran for the party leadership last year.
Father-of-two Sunak, who became an MP in 2015, has become the first Hindu to take up the role. He is in for a gruelling first month as Chancellor, with the budget set to take place in March.
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack remained in his post, which he has held since July last year.
He said: “I’m honoured to have been reappointed as Scottish Secretary by the Prime Minister. I look forward to helping to deliver a bright future for Scotland, and to continue to stand up for the majority of Scots who voted in 2014 to remain part of a strong United Kingdom.”
While Michael Gove had been tipped to receive a top job as president of COP26 in Glasgow later this year, the Surrey MP remained as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and minister for the Cabinet office.
Alok Sharma, the former international development secretary, was a surprise choice for the COP26 role, where he will take responsibility for the crunch climate talks in November.
Sharma replaces Claire Perry O’neill, a former climate minister, who was sacked last month. It is understood that both David Cameron and William Hague had previously both turned down the climate job.
Along with COP26, Sharma has also been appointed the new business secretary and will be tasked with building relationships with companies big and small.
Priti Patel remains the most senior woman in government, as she retained her role as Home Secretary, while Dominic Raab also kept his job as Foreign Secretary.
Jacob Rees-mogg, who drew huge criticism for his comments about Grenfell Tower and the infamous photograph of him lounging on the benches in the Commons, retained his position as Leader of the House despite some speculation that he could be replaced.
During the General Election campaign last year Mogg was kept out of sight by the Conservative chiefs, as he was considered bad publicity following his gaffes.
The biggest losers in yesterday’s reshuffle were
Andrea Leadsom, who lost her job as Business Secretary, Theresa Villiers who was sacked as Environment Secretary, Geoffrey Cox who lost his post as Attorney General and Esther Mcvey, a housing minister who was attending cabinet.
On Twitter last night, mcvey said she was “very sorry” to have been sacked as housing minister. The MP, who stood against Boris Johnson in the leadership election last year, tweeted: “I’m very sorry to be relieved of my duties as Housing Minister I wish my successor the very best & every success. I’m very grateful to the Prime Minister for having given me the opportunity to serve in his government & he will continue to have my support from the back benches.”
Andrea Leadsom also took to social media to express her disappointment after she was axed from her role at the heart of Government.
She said: “It has been a real privilege to serve in Government for the last six years, and in [the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy] for six months. I now look forward to focusing on my constituents and on my 20+ year campaign to see every baby get the best start in life.
“I’m particularly proud of my work in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy on net zero and the #Countdowntocop and on making the UK the best place in the world to work and to grow a business. Huge thanks to my brilliant team.
“I will continue from the back benches to work to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect”.
Stephen Barclay, who had been the Brexit secretary, retained a position enabling him to attend cabinet as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
While the most senior jobs were divided up yesterday, the reshuffle is set t continue today as junior ministerial appointments are made. It is anticipated that more women are expected to take up the roles.