04.09.12
Cameron reshuffles ministers UPDATE
Prime Minister David Cameron’s first major reshuffle of Government is taking place today, with several ministers moving places.
Confirmed changes include Kenneth Clarke’s move from justice secretary to minister without portfolio, where he will act as an advisor to Cameron. Also to be replaced are Cheryl Gillan, former welsh secretary, and Baroness Warsi, co-chair of the Conservative Party.
Andrew Mitchell, ex-international development secretary, was appointed as the new chief whip last night.
Iain Duncan Smith, Michael Gove and George Osborne are expected to remain in their posts, whilst environment secretary Caroline Spelman, transport secretary Justine Greening and culture secretary Jeremy Hunt are being rumoured to move position.
Liberal democrat David Laws is expected to return to the Cabinet. The former cabinet minister resigned two years ago as chief secretary to the Treasury after admitting he claimed expenses to pay his partner’s rent.
UPDATE 10:40am - former rail minister Theresa Villiers has been appointed Northern Ireland secretary, replacing Owen Paterson, and health secretary Andrew Lansley is tipped to be moving to leader of the House of Commons. Edward Garnier has been sacked as Solicitor General.
10:47 - Chris Grayling appointed as new justice secretary.
11:12 - Jeremy Hunt has been announced as the new health secretary, replacing Andrew Lansley, who has been confirmed as the new leader of the House of Commons.
11:38 - Patrick McLoughlin, former chief whip has become the new transport secretary. Owen Paterson becomes the environment secretary.
12:06 - Justine Greening is the new international development secretary and Maria Miller has moved from disability minister to culture secretary.
12:18 - David Jones has been appointed the new welsh secretary. Baroness Warsi is a minister at the foregin office and a minister of faith and community.
12:28 - Grant Shapps is confirmed as Conservative party chairman
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