2021 British cabinet reshuffle
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Boris Johnson carried out the second significant reshuffle of his majority government from 15 September to 18 September 2021, having last done so in February 2020.
Cabinet-level changes
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Junior ministerial changes
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Whips' Office appointments
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Reaction
[edit]Demotion of Dominic Raab
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There had been growing speculation that Dominic Raab would be demoted from his position as Foreign Secretary, as a result of his handling of the Taliban offensive in August 2021.[11] On the day of the reshuffle, Raab met with the Prime Minister for a considerable length of time, having initially refused to leave the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The Financial Times reported that Raab was "throwing his toys out of [the] pram". Sources are alleged to have told Sky News that Raab was "very angry" at Johnson's decision to move him.[12] Eventually, Raab accepted his new position as Secretary of State for Justice and was given the additional role of Deputy Prime Minister, making him the first minister to hold the office since Nick Clegg during the Conservative–Liberal Democrat coalition (2010–2015).[13]
Appointment of Nadine Dorries
[edit]The appointment of Nadine Dorries as Culture Secretary was heavily criticised in the arts and culture sectors.[14][15] Her promotion to the Cabinet was questioned due to her right-wing views and inexperience.[16] Dorries was dubbed by some as the new "Secretary of State for Culture Wars", with concerns raised about her extreme views on cultural issues.[17][18] Following her appointment, the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union called on the new minister to "focus more on supporting our cultural industries and less on stoking divisive culture wars".[19]
Notable dismissals
[edit]After Robert Buckland was dismissed as Secretary of State for Justice and replaced by Dominic Raab, there was some criticism from Sir Bob Neill, chairman of the Justice Select Committee. Neill told Sky News that removing Buckland from his position was "unjust, outrageous" and that he had been "shabbily treated" by Johnson.[20] Derek Sweeting, chairman of the Bar Council, appeared to criticise the turnover of justice secretaries, stating: "As we welcome the eighth justice secretary in the last 10 years to play this vital role, the need for a consistent and strong voice in government for our justice system could not be greater".[21]
Alix Culbertson wrote that Gavin Williamson's sacking was of "little surprise" following his handling of GCSE grades.[22] He was also criticised for confusing rugby player Maro Itoje with Marcus Rashford.[23] Wes Streeting responded to reports that Williamson had been ‘tipped for knighthood’ saying "there should be no rewards for failure."[24] On 24 September 2021, Williamson unfollowed Boris Johnson on Instagram.[25]
Later changes
[edit]In December 2021, Wendy Morton and Chris Heaton-Harris swapped ministerial jobs (Minister of State for Europe and Minister of State for Transport).[26]
See also
[edit]- Second Johnson ministry
- Premiership of Boris Johnson
- List of departures from the second Johnson ministry
- 2021 in politics and government
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Adam Payne (15 September 2021). "Gavin Williamson Sacked As Education Secretary". PoliticsHome.
- ^ Gavin Williamson [@GavinWilliamson] (15 September 2021). "It has been a privilege to serve as Education Secretary since 2019. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, I'm particularly proud of the transformational reforms I've led in Post 16 education: in further education colleges, our Skills agenda, apprenticeships and more" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Alain Tolhurst (15 September 2021). "Robert Buckland Has Been Sacked As Justice Secretary In Boris Johnson's Reshuffle". PoliticsHome.
- ^ Robert Buckland [@RobertBuckland] (15 September 2021). "It has been an honour to serve in Government for the last 7 years, and as the Lord Chancellor for the last 2. I am deeply proud of everything I have achieved. On to the next adventure" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ UK Prime Minister [@10DowningStreet] (15 September 2021). "The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP @DominicRaab has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice @MoJGovUK #Reshuffle" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Robert Jenrick [@RobertJenrick] (15 September 2021). "It's been a huge privilege to serve as Secretary of State @mhclg. Thank you to everyone at the department for their hard work, dedication and friendship. I'm deeply proud of all we achieved. I will continue to support the Prime Minister and the Government in every way I can" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ Amanda Milling [@amandamilling] (15 September 2021). "It's been a privilege and an honour to be the Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party. Thank you to the voluntary party and the team at CCHQ for their support. Thank you to @BorisJohnson for this opportunity. I will continue working to deliver on our plans to level up the UK" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Amanda Milling back in Government". Twitter. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- ^ Hall, Luke (15 September 2021). "It's been a huge honour to serve as Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government in mhclg and am proud of all we achieved. Grateful to the excellent team in MHCLG and particularly my superb Private Office. Looking forward to supporting the Government from the backbenches". Twitter. Archived from the original on 15 September 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- ^ "Reshuffle: Schools minister Nick Gibb sacked". schoolsweek.co.uk. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 15 September 2021.
- ^ Henry Zeffman; Chris Smyth (8 September 2021). "Williamson, Patel and Raab facing demotion as prospect of snap reshuffle looms". The Times.
- ^ "Reshuffle live: 'Very angry' Dominic Raab demoted to justice secretary and deputy PM - with three others sacked". Sky News. 15 September 2021.
- ^ "UK foreign secretary Raab moved to justice minister and deputy PM". Reuters. 15 September 2021.
- ^ Katie Spencer (16 September 2021). "Nadine Dorries isn't afraid of fanning the culture war flames - leaving the arts sector concerned". Sky News.
- ^ Stephen Bush (16 September 2021). "The appointment of Nadine Dorries sums up Boris Johnson's reshuffle – but not for the reason you think". New Statesman.
- ^ Harry de Quetteville (16 September 2021). "Does Nadine Dorries have what it takes to be Culture Secretary?". Daily Telegraph.
- ^ Ayesha Hazarika (16 September 2021). "Nadine Dorries becoming Culture Secretary in the reshuffle shows Boris Johnson is still the master of outrage". inews.
- ^ "Nadine Dorries: a minister for the culture wars?". The Week. 23 September 2021.
- ^ "New Culture Secretary should support our industries, instead of stoking culture wars". BECTU. 15 September 2021.
- ^ Jon Craig [@joncraig] (15 September 2021). "Tory MP Sir Bob Neill, who chairs Justice select committee tells me Robert Buckland's sacking is "unjust, outrageous" and "he has been shabbily treated"" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Truss replaces Raab at Foreign Office with Williamson out in cabinet reshuffle – UK politics live". The Guardian. 15 September 2021.
- ^ "Gavin Williamson: Teaching unions 'can't pretend to be sorry' over exit of 'disastrous' education secretary". Sky News. 15 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ "Gavin Williamson apparently confuses Maro Itoje with Marcus Rashford". The Guardian. 8 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ @wesstreeting (17 September 2021). "There should be no rewards for failure" (Tweet). Retrieved 27 September 2021 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Gavin Williamson unfollowed Boris Johnson on Instagram and people are laughing at the pettiness". Indy100. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
- ^ "Ministerial appointments: 19 December 2021". GOV.UK. Retrieved 20 January 2022.