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As it happenedended

Boris Johnson news - live: Williamson, Raab and Patel return to government as new PM continues biggest cabinet reshuffle in modern history

Follow all the latest updates from Westminster

Lizzy Buchan
Political Correspondent
,Ashley Cowburn
Wednesday 24 July 2019 16:13 EDT
Comments
'Never mind the backstop, the buck stops here' Boris Johnson promises to 'serve the people' in first speech as prime minister

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Boris Johnson has carried out the most brutal cabinet reshuffle in modern history as he sacked more than half of Theresa May's top team within hours of taking charge.

Allies of Ms May were unceremoniously cleared out, with rival Jeremy Hunt was among the senior figures to leave the government in favour of Brexiteers.

Sajid Javid was appointed as chancellor, with Brexiteers Priti Patel and Dominic Raab returning to the cabinet as home secretary and foreign secretary.

Please allow a moment for the live blog to load

Theresa May is now delivering her resignation speech - standing alongside Philip May. She congratulates Boris Johnson on his success in the Tory leadership race. 

She says in the decade of Conservative governments the economy has evolved, but much needs to be done - including delivering Brexit in a way that works for the whole UK. 

"To serve as PM of the UK is the greatest honour - as I leave Downing Street, my final words are of sincere thanks." She pays tribute to her staff, the armed forces, and the NHS."

Before she continued with her speech, however, a protestor heckled "Stop Brexit", to which she said: "I think the answer to that is - I think not."

..."I also want to thank the British people.

"Everyone who loves our great country, who works hard for their family and wants their children and grand-children to enjoy greater opportunity than they did. 

"Thank you for putting your faith in me and giving me the chance to serve.

 "This is a country of aspiration and opportunity and I hope that every young girl who has seen a woman Prime Minister now knows for sure that there are no limits to what they can achieve.

 "Finally and most of all, I want to thank my husband Philip – who has been my greatest supporter and my closest companion.

"I am about to leave Downing Street but I am proud to continue as the Member of Parliament for Maidenhead."

"I will continue to do all I can to serve the national interest.

"And play my part in making our United Kingdom – a great country with a great future – a country that truly works for everyone."

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 14:30

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 14:45

This is from the Press Association on what happens next ––

Ms May will tender her resignation as prime minister during her audience with the Queen.

By convention the Queen is above party politics and does not personally choose the next prime minister, so Mrs May's last duty will be to tell the head of state which person has enough support to form the next government - Boris Johnson.

The meeting was held in the Queen's audience room in the monarch's private apartments.

Mr May will wait until the end of the audience before joining the Queen and his wife.

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 14:56

Entering Buckingham Palace, Boris Johnson's car has been blocked by climate change protestors. Police quickly removed them from the way of the motorcade down the Mall.

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 15:08

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 15:11

Boris Johnson has arrived at Buckingham Palace for an audience with the Queen and is minutes away from becoming the next PM.

Mr Johnson stepped from his chauffeur-driven limousine without his girlfriend Carrie Symonds and was welcomed by the Queen's private secretary and her equerry.

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 15:19

A former Downing Street civil servant tweets

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 15:23

Theresa May has already changed her Twitter profile account.

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 15:29

Boris Johnson is now officially the new prime minister after accepting an invitation from the Queen to form a new government. 

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 15:35

Boris Johnson has entered Downing Street as PM for the first time - to a loud applause from supporters gathered in the street.

Ashley Cowburn24 July 2019 15:51

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