Theresa May continued with a reshuffle that some have called ruthless with the announcement that Anna Soubry – a supporter during the leadership battle – was out of her position as small business minister.
Ros Altmann, the pensions expert was also removed from the Department of Work and Pensions on Friday to make way for Penny Mordaunt, a Brexit supporter who was a close ally of Andrea Leadsom in the leadership contest. Mike Penning took her role at the Ministry of Defence.
A further raft of appointments after 10.30pm included Brandon Lewis, a key ally during May’s leadership, becoming minister for policing, and Robert Goodwill becoming the new immigration minister.
Matt Hancock and Greg Hands – two allies of George Osborne – were spared the axe. Hancock was appointed as minister for digital policy, and Hands goes to international trade under Liam Fox.
Jane Ellison was given the role of financial secretary to the Treasury, Jo Johnson stays as universities minister, John Hayes has become transport minister and Damian Hinds becomes a minister at the Department of Work and Pensions.
Ed Vaizey, a friend of David Cameron, left the government after a long tenure as culture minister.