Labour and Conservatives chant in ‘pantomime’ display during PMQs
Liz Truss has been appointed foreign secretary replacing Dominic Raab who was demoted to justice secretary in the prime minister’s cabinet shuffle. Mr Raab also holds the roles of Lord Chancellor and deputy prime minister.
Michael Gove has been appointed secretary of state for housing, communities and local government, replacing Robert Jenrick who was ousted earlier this afternoon. He will also retain responsibility for relations with the UK’s devolved administrations.
Gavin Williamson was removed from his role as education secretary, and Robert Buckland was also removed from his posting as justice secretary.
The government hopes to complete cabinet-level appointments today, with more junior posts to be announced in the coming days.
A Downing Street source said: “The prime minister will today conduct a reshuffle to put in place a strong and united team to build back better from the pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Boris Johnson has refused to explain how universal credit claimants would be able to recoup their looming £20-a-week cut in payments.
The prime minister was challenged to set out how many hours of extra work will be needed – after a Cabinet minister wrongly claimed it is just two.
But Mr Johnson declined to say whether the true figure is higher or lower.
Ben Wallace remains Defence Secretary
The Rt Hon Ben Wallace will retain his cabinet role as defence secretary, Downing Street has said.
The minister smiled but did not respond to questions as he left No 10.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 17:20
Nadhim Zahawi appointed education secretary
Nadhim Zahawi has been appointed secretary of state for Education, Downing Street has announced.
Mr Zahawi, who is replacing Gavin Williamson who was ousted earlier this afternoon, gave a double-thumbs up as he left No 10.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 17:14
Nadine Dorries appointed culture secretary
Nadine Dorries has been appointed secretary of state for digital, culture, media and sport, Downing Street has announced.
She replaces Oliver Dowden who was demoted to minister without portfolio.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:59
Oliver Dowden appointed ‘minister without portfolio, cabinet office’
Oliver Dowden has been appointed minister without portfolio, cabinet office, Downing Street has confirmed.
Mr Dowden previously held the post of culture secretary.
The BBC reported that Mr Dowden has also been appointed the new co-chairman of the Conservative Party, replacing Amanda Milling.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:56
Labour reacts to departure of justice secretary Robert Buckland
Labour’s shadow justice secretary said that while he was able to work “constructively” with the outgoing minister, the new justice secretary “must be capable of fixing the courts crisis”.
David Lammy said on Twitter: “This Government has run the justice system into the ground and onto the brink of collapse.
“The Crown Court backlog has reached a record-high while the number of rape convictions are at a record-low.
“Always affable, I was able to work constructively with @RobertBuckland during the peak of the coronavirus crisis and wish him well, but the new Justice Secretary must be capable of fixing the courts and victims crisis the Conservative government has created.”
He added: “The new Justice Secretary will be the sixth in the past six years.
“Victims of crime facing years of delays deserve better.
“The new Justice Secretary must be capable of fixing the courts crisis the @Conservatives created.”
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:50
Priti Patel: ‘a huge privilege to continue serving as home secretary’
Priti Patel, who retained her post as home secretary, tweeted following her re-appointment.
She said: “A huge privilege to continue serving as Home Secretary under our Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
“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.”
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:32
Michael Gove appointed secretary of state for housing, communities and local government
Downing Street has confirmed that Michael Gove has been appointed secretary of state for housing, communities and local government.
“He takes on cross-governmental responsibility for levelling up. He retains ministerial responsibility for the Union and elections,” Downing Street said on Twitter.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:23
Downing Street confirms Patel as home secretary
Downing street has officially confirmed that Priti Patel will remain in her post as home secretary.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:10
Michael Gove appointed housing minister
Former cabinet office minister Michael Gove has been appointed housing minister in Boris Johnson’s cabinet shuffle, Reuters has reported.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:09
Liz Truss appointed foreign secretary
Liz Truss has been appointed foreign secretary, replacing Dominic Raab who has been appointed deputy prime minister in Boris Johnson’s cabinet reshuffle.
Political editor Andrew Woodcock reports.
Celine Wadhera15 September 2021 16:03