FOUR key members of David Cameron’s Cabinet, including justice secretary Michael Gove, have lost their jobs in Government as Theresa May continues the process of appointing ministers to her new administration.
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After making an unexpected decision not to back his fellow Brexiteer Boris Johnson for leadership of the Conservatives, Mr Gove made his own bid but could only finish in third place. “After careful reflection I have informed the Prime Minister today that, in the best interests of my family, I can not be part of her Government at this time”.
His ally Nicky Morgan is also out after being sacked as Education Secretary.
Nicky Morgan was sacked after two years as Education Secretary and minister for women and replaced by Justine Greening, the International Development Secretary, who had clashed with Mr Osborne.
And Mr Whittingdale said it had been “a privilege” to serve as culture secretary, adding: “I wish my successor every success and will continue to support creative industries”.
Patrick McLoughlin, former transport secretary, is now the chair of the Conservative party, and former Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers has left government.
It is not known exactly what the alternative post was.
Meanwhile, failed leadership candidate Stephen Crabb quit the Cabinet “in the best interests of my family”, days after The Times reported that he had sent sexually explicit WhatsApp messages to a young woman during the European Union referendum campaign.
Despite initial reports suggesting that Jeremy Hunt would be sacked from the role of health secretary, he has retained his position.
On Wednesday, May entered Number 10 Downing Street and began a reshuffle which started with George Osborne being told he would not be a part of the new government and was being replaced by former Secretary of State Philip Hammond.
Failed leadership candidate Mr Gove saw his Justice Secretary job go to Liz Truss, who became the first female Lord Chancellor in the thousand-year history of the role.
Today’s clean sweep of tainted names by Mrs May came just weeks after Mr Gove and Mr Johnson were campaigning side by side on the Vote Leave battle bus.
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Cameron’s ex-parliamentary private secretary Gavin Williamson becomes Chief Whip and Baroness Evans of Bowes Park is Leader of the House of Lords, in her first ministerial role since being ennobled by the former PM in 2014.
