Cabinet reshuffle - as it happened: Theresa May hails new generation of 'gifted' ministers as she finishes day two of shakeup
Follow all the latest updates from Westminster here
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Theresa May finished her new year’s reshuffle with a raft of new appointments for young Conservative MPs, claiming it “allows a new generation of gifted ministers to set up and make life better for people”.
She said the Government was about "building a country fit for the future – one that truly works for everyone with a stronger economy and a fairer society.
“This reshuffle helps us do just that by bringing fresh talent into Government, boosting delivery in key policy areas like housing, health and social care, and ensuring the Government looks more like the country it serves.
But the reshuffle of top posts – or lack of reshuffle – on Monday will likely overshadow the Prime Minister’s attempt to reboot her Government.
Yesterday several ministers refused to be moved on from their jobs – in a challenge to the PM’s authority – and Justine Greening walked out of Government and resigned from her post as Education Secretary after turning down a new role at the Department for Work and Pensions.
And on Tuesday, Toby Young quit his post with the higher education watchdog with an apology for his homophobic and misogynistic comments – just two days after the Prime Minister backed him to stay. The controversial right-wing journalist stepped down amid a hail of criticism over his offensive comments about women’s breasts, gay people, the disabled and starving children in Africa.
See below for live updates
Dominic Raab appointed new minister of state in Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Minister for Housing) - Downing Street
The Telegraph has spoken to Phiip Davies, the Tory MP for Shipley, who is being his typical controversial self. He says white male ministers risk being "hoofed out" to make way for women and ethnic minority MPs in the reshuffle.
A Tory MP, who did not wish to be named, told the Press Association: "She ended the year in not a bad place, to the point where she was making a virtue of her ability to walk through fires.
"The ability to come out the other side of a burning building, which is I think the way she looked at the end of last year, isn't enhanced by an ability to walk into a burning building deliberately."
The following have left the Government:
- Robert Goodwill MP (previously Minister of State, Department for Education)
- Mark Garnier MP (previously Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department for International Trade)
The following have resigned from the Government:
- Rt Hon John Hayes CBE MP (previously Minister of State, Department for Transport)
- Philip Dunne MP (previously Minister of State, Department of Health and Social Care)
More reshuffle news, from Downing Street:
The Rt Hon Greg Hands MP remains as Minister of State for Trade Policy at the Department for International Trade.
The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of Jo Johnson MP as Minister of State at the Department for Transport. He will also be Minister for London.
Interestingly, Jo Johnson, was forced as universities minister to defend the controversial appointment of Toby Young to the universities regulator in an urgent question session in the Commons on Monday. He's now moved to Transport.
Dominic Grieve - the lead rebel in last year's Brexit defeat - is in Downing Street.
This is from the Press Association:
The code of conduct governing the standards of behaviour expected from Government ministers has been rewritten following a series of scandals which took the scalps of former Cabinet members Damian Green, Sir Michael Fallon and Priti Patel.
A revised code, being published on Tuesday afternoon, includes new wording spelling out the need to avoid inappropriate, bullying or harassing behaviour, as well as a section specifically stating the requirement for ministers to report official meetings in the UK or overseas.
At the first meeting of her new Cabinet in 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Theresa May made clear she expected colleagues to ensure that they and their ministerial teams read the revamped document.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments