PM Johnson to reshuffle cabinet: Education Sec Williamson out, Foreign Sec Raab gets the axe
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to reshuffle his cabinet. Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has been fired, along with Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab.
“The PM will today conduct a reshuffle to put in place a strong and united team to Build Back Better from the pandemic,” read a statement from Downing Street on Wednesday, adding that Johnson would be “appointing ministers this afternoon with a focus on uniting and levelling up the whole country.”
According to the BBC’s sources, Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab and Education Secretary Gavin Williamson will be moved to new posts.
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Williamson has contended with the postponement of school exams this year due to the coronavirus, and has faced questions in parliament over the fairness of the teacher-assessed grades handed out instead.
Williamson confirmed his firing in a tweet shortly after news of the reshuffle broke.
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.
— Gavin Williamson (@GavinWilliamson) September 15, 2021
Raab's removal as Foreign Secretary and reassignment as Justice Secretary, Lord Chancellor, and Deputy Prime Minister, was confirmed by Downing Street later in the afternoon.
Justice Secretary Robert Buckland confirmed his sacking immediately after Williamson.
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
— Robert Buckland (@RobertBuckland) September 15, 2021
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick was relieved of his position following a lengthy meeting with Johnson. Jenrick’s boilerplate statement said he would “continue to support the Prime Minister and Government in every way I can.”
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.
— Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) September 15, 2021
Minister without Portfolio Amanda Milling was sacked as Co-Chairman of the Conservative Party, and without an obvious reassignment in sight, tweeted that she would “continue working to deliver on our plans to level up the UK.”
Others rumored to be moved are Trade Secretary Liz Truss, Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove, and Home Secretary Priti Patel, according to reports from Politico and GB News.
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