Boris Johnson is set to strengthen his current grip on power by potentially undertaking a mini valentines reshuffle as soon as this week.
Amongst a potential list of sideways promotions, arch loyalist Jacob Rees-Mogg could be replaced as Leader of the House of Commons by current chief whip Mark Spencer, a move unlikely to be appreciated by Mr Rees-Mogg "who clearly has a flair and love for the job", said a source.
Several experienced candidates could be in consideration to take over as chief whip, including former whip and cabinet office minister Nigel Adams, Chris Heaton-Harris, and Chris Pincher who is believed to already be running Boris Johnson’s ‘shadow’ whipping operation.
It is understood that Mark Spencer could be the one replace Jacob Rees-Mogg should changes take place.
Jacob Rees-Mogg
Stefan Rousseau
A reshuffle could help solve the problem of what to do about criticisms that new Downing Street chief of staff Steve Barclay, already has three jobs.
As Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Steve Barclay is the senior minister in the cabinet office but a shuffle could see him replaced in this role, allowing him to concentrate on the attempting smooth running of Downing Street.
A rejig of the whipping operation could help realign matters for Boris Johnson after criticisms that the shadow whipping operation being run by Mr Pincher was perceived to be backfiring after ‘tough’ conversations with MPs.
If Nigel Adams was appointed chief whip, Boris Johnson could hand the then vacant minister without portfolio job to Jacob Rees-Mogg, though this would still be viewed as a demotion of sorts.
The fresh crop of MPs from the 2019 intake could be fertile grounds for fresh junior appointments throughout government, which could go some way towards calming frayed nerves following a tumultuous period and the reported ‘Pork Pie Plot.’