Senior Conservative Damian Green has effectively become Theresa May's number two in government, as the prime minister promoted him to first secretary of state as part of a post-general election reshuffle on Sunday (11 June).
Greg Clark has been reappointed as business secretary, in a move backed by Incpen chief executive Paul Vanston, who said on social media it was "helpful news" that the Government could continue with its industrial strategy.
To avoid the coup against her government, British Prime Minister Theresa May has installed Remainers in key positions in her new government in the wake of dismal results of the election.
Downing Street has also revealed that Liam Fox has retained his role as global trade secretary. Leadsom had been in the post for less than a year and has been shifted to the post of leader of the House of Commons, having failed to impress many in the food production industry.
Mrs May had been set to conduct a wide-ranging Cabinet reshuffle if she had secured the large Commons majority that Tory strategists had expected.
Several have said that she seeks to concentrate too much power in her immediate circle, leaving her cabinet and parliament powerless. "Michael Gove has a career defining opportunity here to be remembered as the Minister who finally cleaned up our country's illegally bad air pollution", he said.
Home Secretary Amber Rudd, Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon and Brexit Secretary David Davis have also been told they will retain their positions.
Puerto Rico Overwhelmingly Say Yes To Statehood But Will Congress Approve?
Still, many Puerto Ricans see statehood as about a lot more than the economy. The unemployment rate is 11.5% (compared to just 4.3% for the USA overall).
The Daily Express reports that Cabinet ministers are rallying around a "beleaguered" prime minister in a desperate attempt to halt bitter Tory in-fighting over her leadership.
Interestingly, May has chosen Damian Green - a close and important ally - as her first secretary of state.
Other ministers were confirmed in their existing jobs included the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox, the Education Secretary Justine Greening, the Communities Secretary Sajid Javid, the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire.
His role in Brexit negotiations will also be under close scrutiny, with environmental legislation - and in particular air pollution limits - largely dictated by European Union directives.
Speaking on the reshuffle, the Prime Minister stated that the new line-up has brought in talent from across the whole of the Conservative party.
Gavin Williamson remains Chief Whip while Chris Grayling kept his job as Transport Secretary.
James Brokenshire is back in his Northern Ireland role, which was left vacant by Theresa Villiers when she resigned from the position a year ago.
Comments