Theresa May was sworn into office yesterday and her first day in office was marked by a number of announcements on the new cabinet appointments.
Chancellor of the Exchequer – Philip Hammond
George Osborn has been the biggest loser so far, losing his position as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He tweeted in response that it was a “privilege” to be chancellor and “Others will judge – I hope I’ve left the economy in a better state than I found it”. The position went to Philip Hammond, who previously served as foreign secretary.
Foreign Secretary – Boris Johnson
In the probably most surprising appointment, the role of Foreign Secretary is going to be taken on by former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson. He was one of the most vocal Brexit campaigners. Being known for offering highly controversial views and offensive comments, including publicly calling black people “piccaninnies” as well as referring to their “watermelon” smiles, many question his suitability to the role.
Home Secretary – Amber Rudd
Amber Rudd has been announced to take on the role of Home Secretary, formerly held by Theresa May. Entering politics in her 40s, the now 52-year-old followed a speedy path to the top levels and was known as a protégé to former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborn. She held her last role as Energy and Climate Change Secretary for only a year.
Defence Secretary – Michael Fallon
Michael Fallon will remain Defence Secretary in the Theresa May led cabinet.
New roles
Two new roles were created to adjust to a post-Brexit political agenda, as Theresa May said she is committed to the United Kingdom leaving the European Union.
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU – David Davis
In one of Theresa May’s first appointments, the new role of Secretary of State for Exiting the EU will be taken on by David Davis, another choice questioned by many, as he is not well known on the international stage. He was Shadow Home Secretary between 2003 and 2008 and is a known Eurosceptic.
Secretary of State for International Trade – Liam Fox
The newly created role of Secretary of State for International Trade was handed to Liam Fox, another Eurosceptic and Leave campaigner. He is mostly well-known for his brief time spend in the role of Secretary of State for Defence, from which he resigned after only about a year due to accusations that he had given close friend and prominent lobbyist Adam Werritty access to the Ministry and had taken him on official international trips.
Today’s updates
Over the course of this afternoon new appointments have become public, revealing a great number of changes throughout the cabinet while only a small amount of ministers stay in their current positions.
Ministers staying in current positions
Jeremy Hunt is one of the small amount of ministers who will stay on in their former positions. He is joined by Alun Cairns who will keep his role as Welsh Secretary, while David Mundell continues to be the Scottish Secretary. Lasty, the role of Gerneral Attorney will continue to be held by Jeremy Wright.
Ministers taking on new roles
Justine Greening will take over from Nicky Morgan as Secretary of State for Education and Minister for Women and Equalities.
Liz Truss is leaving her role as Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Secretary to take over from Michael Gove as Lord Chancellor & Justice Secretary.
The position as Chief Whip, formerly held by Mark Harper, was given to Gavin Williamson.
Oliver Letwin is being replaced in his post as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster by former Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin.
Baroness Evans has been appointed as Leader of the House of Lords.
The role of Transport Secretary has been given to Chris Grayling.
Damian Green has been appointed the new Work and Pensions Secretary.
Andrea Leadsom will take on the role as Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Secretary.
The new Cultural Secretary is Karen Bradley.
The position as International Development Secretary was filled with former employment minister Priti Patel.
Greg Clark is the new Business and Energy Secretary.
James Brokenshire has been appointed as Northern Ireland Secretary.
Sajid Javid, former Business and Energy Secretary has been appointed Communities and Local Government Secretary.
David Lidington has been promoted to the leader of the House of Commons, taking over from Chris Grayling.
David Gauke is taking over from Greg Hands as Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
So far, the public still awaits confirmed appointments on other cabinet roles, a full list given below.
Employment minister (Open due to promotion of Priti Patel)
Small Business Minister (Currently held by Anna Soubry)
Cabinet Office Minister and Paymaster General (Currently held by Matt Hancock)
Minister without Portfolio (Currently held by Robert Halfon)
