Prime Minister Boris Johnson has today announced he's reshuffling his cabinet, but who's been promoted and who's returning to the back benches?
Downing Street confirmed Gavin Williamson had been sacked as Education Secretary by the Prime Minister, after he tweeted that it had been a “privilege” to serve in the post despite the “challenges” of the pandemic.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson arrives in Downing Street.
Victoria Jones
The departing education secretary had faced criticism and calls to resign over his handling of disruption to schools and exams during the Covid crisis.
Downing Street said: “The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Nadhim Zahawi MP as Secretary of State for Education.”
Mr Zahawi had been overseeing the rollout of Covid jabs as Vaccines minister.
Nadhim Zahawi leaving 10 Downing Street, London, after being named as the new Education Secretary.
Victoria Jones
Liz Truss has been appointed Foreign Secretary as Boris Johnson carried out a dramatic reshaping of his top team.
Ms Truss takes over at the Foreign Office after leaving her post as International Trade Secretary.
Liz Truss' predecessor is Dominic Raab, who has been widely criticised for his handling of the Afghanistan crisis.
Newly-appointed Foreign Secretary Liz Truss leaves Number 10 Downing Street.
Stefan Rousseau
He's been moved from the Foreign Office to the Ministry of Justice.
However Mr Raab has been handed the title of Deputy Prime Minister.
Mr Raab accepted the new role following lengthy talks with Mr Johnson in the Prime Minister’s Commons office.
He tweeted: “I am delighted to be appointed Justice Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister, delivering on the PM’s commitment to cut crime, reduce reoffending and protect the public.”
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab arrives in Downing Street.
Stefan Rousseau
Michael Gove replaces Robert Jenrick at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, while also taking on cross-government responsibility for Mr Johnson’s “levelling up” agenda.
After receiving the axe, Mr Jenrick pledged to continue supporting the Prime Minister “in every way I can”.
“I’m deeply proud of all we achieved,” he said, thanking his colleagues at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Priti Patel said it was “a huge privilege” to remain at the Home Office.
“A huge privilege to continue serving as Home Secretary under our Prime Minister Boris Johnson,” she tweeted.
“There is still so much more to do to deliver for the British people. Tackling illegal migration, cutting crime and continuing to keep our great country safe.”
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove arrives in Downing Street.
Victoria Jones
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, who lost her place in the Cabinet when the Department for International Development was scrapped, returns to the top table as International Trade Secretary.
She replaces Liz Truss, the new Foreign Secretary.
Oliver Dowden moves from Culture Secretary to replace Ms Milling as co-chairman of the Tory Party, as well as holding the title Minister without Portfolio.
Nadine Dorries, a best-selling author and former star of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, becomes takes his place.
Home Secretary Priti Patel leaves Number 10 Downing Street.
Victoria Jones
Mr Buckland, who said it had been an “honour” to serve in the Government for the last seven years, including the last two as justice secretary and lord chancellor.
“I am deeply proud of everything I have achieved. On to the next adventure,” he said.
The courts system has been under huge strain during the pandemic but a specific reason for his departure was unclear.
Sir Bob Neill, the Conservative MP who chairs the Commons Justice Committee, criticised Mr Buckland’s exit, saying: “You deserved better.”
“You did a first-rate job and, importantly, always stood up for the rule of law and the integrity of the justice system,” Sir Bob added.
Newly appointed International Trade Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan leaves Downing Street.
Victoria Jones
Sajid Javid said he was “very pleased” to stay in post as Health Secretary.
After the confirmation that he had kept his job in Boris Johnson’s ministerial shake-up, Mr Javid tweeted: “Very pleased to see the job through at the Department of Health and Social Care – my toughest yet.
“I’m absolutely determined to get our country through the pandemic, tackle the backlogs and deliver lasting reforms to health and social care.”
Two other cabinet ministers that aren't moving today are Kwasi Kwarteng who remains as Business Secretary and Ben Wallance stays in post as Defence Secretary.
Former Justice Secretary Robert Buckland.
Jonathan Brady
