Mr.Talha Posted February 8, 2022 Posted February 8, 2022 https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-60305006 Jacob Rees-Mogg has been given a new role in government as the minister for Brexit opportunities, as Boris Johnson carries out a cabinet reshuffle. The PM promised a rejig in No 10 after pressure over lockdown parties, and is currently meeting ministers. Chris Heaton-Harris becomes the new chief whip, in charge of disciplining Conservative MPs - some of whom have called on Mr Johnson to resign. His predecessor, Mark Spencer, replaces Mr Rees-Mogg as leader of the Commons. But some Tory MPs have privately expressed concern about Mr Spencer's new post. The role includes the responsibility for standards of behaviour in Westminster, but he is currently being investigated over accusations of Islamophobia, raised by fellow MP Nusrat Ghani - claims he has denied. One MP said: "No 10 promised change. Nothing has changed. [The] PM just makes it worse." Downing Street also confirmed Paymaster General Michael Ellis would take on the additional role of minister for the Cabinet Office. The job had been held by Tory MP Steve Barclay, who had said he would stay in his post at the Cabinet Office, alongside his new role as chief of staff in No 10. Earlier this week, Labour questioned how Mr Barclay would be able to carry out all three roles. 'Reshuffling the deckchairs' Mr Rees-Mogg, a prominent Leave campaigner during the 2016 EU referendum, will now be a full member of the cabinet, with his full title being minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency. Mr Spencer will continue to attend cabinet and Mr Ellis will join him. Other moves include: Stuart Andrew leaving his role as deputy chief whip to become housing minister - the 11th person to hold the role in 10 years Heather Wheeler becoming a parliamentary secretary in the Cabinet Office, in addition to her current role as an assistant government whip James Cleverly staying in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, becoming the minister for Europe, instead of minister for the Middle East and North Africa Responding to the reshuffle, Labour deputy leader Angela Rayner said the prime minister should instead focus on "an inflation crisis created in Downing Street and supporting the mental health of our children and young people". "What was Boris Johnson doing? Reshuffling the deckchairs when he's already hit an iceberg," she added.
Premium
Recommended Posts