Boris Johnson will reshuffle his Cabinet today, it has been confirmed after widespread speculation.
“The PM will today conduct a reshuffle to put in place a strong and united team to build back better from the pandemic,” A Number 10 source said.
“Yesterday, the PM set out his plan for managing Covid during the autumn and winter.
“But the Government must also redouble our efforts to deliver on the people’s priorities.
“The PM will be appointing ministers this afternoon with a focus on uniting and levelling up the whole country.”
READ MORE: Cabinet reshuffle LIVE: All the latest on Boris Johnson's changes
The ministers at most risk are Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab, who faced heavy criticism over his handling of the Afghanistan situation, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson, one of the least popular government figures among his own party, and Home Secretary Priti Patel.
It was recently reported that Patel met airlines and the boss of a hotel company without officials being present, although ministerial rules state that officials must be there when government business is discussed. A spokesperson for the Home Secretary said her “relevant external meetings” would be pushed in “the usual way in accordance with the ministerial code”.
Patel has also faced bullying allegations, while Johnson is reportedly unhappy with her handling of the number of migrant boats crossing the Channel. It is rumoured that Johnson could appoint Michael Gove, currently Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and Cabinet Office minister, to home secretary, replacing Patel.
Last week it was floated by Sky News that Alister Jack, currently Scottish Secretary, could be moved to the chief whip position.
In that case there would be few options for his replacement, as it would leave five Scottish Tory MPs – one of whom, David Mundell, was already fired as Scottish secretary when Johnson came to power.
Andrew Bowie, David Duguid, John Lamont and Douglas Ross are all therefore on the table, though Ross is already an MP, an MSP, leader of the Scottish Conservatives and a football linesman.
Ruth Davidson could potentially be brought into government, since being gifted a peerage by Johnson and officially entering the House of Lords this summer.
However, the former Scottish Tory chief previously ruled out taking on the Scottish secretary job – telling Times Radio that Jack was doing his job “very well”.
“I promised my partner when I stepped away two years ago that I wouldn't do any big jobs until my son - and if we're blessed with any other younger brothers or sisters for them - are in school,” she told listeners.
"And I intend to keep that promise."
Have your say below - what do you think will happen?
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel