Theresa May is assembling her new Cabinet, and it includes Tory veterans like David Davis and Michael Fallon, as well as rising stars like Amber Rudd.
But the revolving doors of government have also seen some high profile names ejected. It turns out the woman who doesn’t do small talk has little trouble giving some of her senior colleagues the boot.
I always thought @David_Cameron was ruthless. Turns out he was Larry the cat compared with @theresa_may
— Robert Peston (@Peston) July 14, 2016
These are the MPs who have lost out so far:
George Osborne
The Chancellor since 2010, Osborne has overseen the UK’s economic recovery – and deep cuts to public services. He backed May in the Tory leadership election and was tipped for a high-ranking job, such as the Foreign Office. But she gave the job to Boris Johnson instead. He tweeted: “It’s been a privilege to be Chancellor these last 6 yrs. Others will judge – I hope I’ve left the economy in a better state than I found it.”
Michael Gove
Formerly known as the politest man in politics, Gove showed his teeth during the Tory leadership election when he stood against Johnson – and forced his fellow Leave campaigner out of the race. But May trounced him then, and in dismissing him from Justice, she has trounced him again. So this may be the last time for a while to enjoy four weasels that look like Michael Gove.
Nicky Morgan
Morgan took over from Gove at Education, but has not succeeded in winning over teachers so far. More than 10,000 teachers, parents and education workers recently signed a petition declaring she had “failed” children after a marked change in exam results. She tweeted: “Disappointed not to be continuing as Education Secretary & Min for Women & Equalities – two wonderful roles it’s been a privilege to hold.”
John Whittingdale
Whittingdale came to Culture, Media and Sport with ambitious plans for reshaping the focus of the BBC. His role was seen as pivotal by many news organisations in the wake of the phone hacking scandal. But it seems he will not get a chance to put his plans into action. He tweeted: “Has been a privilege to serve as Culture Secretary. I wish my successor every success & will continue to support creative industries.”
Theresa Villiers
Villiers lost her job as secretary of state for Northern Ireland, which may not be so surprising. Villiers backed Leave, but Northern Ireland voted for Remain and it is the region most likely to be affected by Brexit. She wrote: “I regret to say that I have left the Government. The new Prime Minister was kind enough to offer me a role but it was not one which I felt I could take on.” She added: “I believe that I leave the political situation there in a more stable position than it has been for many years.”
Stephen Crabb
Crabb – Ruth Davidson’s “political soulmate” – was tipped as a frontrunner in the early days of the Tory leadership election. No more. The Work and Pensions minister has scuttled off, just months after getting the post. The BBC reported he has resigned “in the best interests of my family”. On 9 July, The Times alleged Crabb – a devout Christian and married man – had exchanged flirty texts with a young woman.
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