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As it happenedended

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

Ashley Cowburn
Political Correspondent
Tuesday 09 January 2018 04:25 EST
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Theresa May's cabinet reshuffle: Key positions

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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

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 11:54

Dominic Raab appointed new minister of state in Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (Minister for Housing) - Downing Street

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 11:58

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.

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:06

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."

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:18

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)
Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:21

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.

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:25

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.

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:39

Dominic Grieve - the lead rebel in last year's Brexit defeat - is in Downing Street. 

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:43
Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:52

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.

Ashley Cowburn9 January 2018 12:59

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