Michael Gove has been sacked as Justice Secretary as Theresa May continued the process of appointing ministers to her new administration.
Four key members of David Cameron’s Cabinet have now lost their jobs in Government as Theresa May continues the process of appointing ministers to her new administration.
Mr Gove was sacked by the new Prime Minister on the second day of a round of appointments which has already seen fellow Brexiteer Boris Johnson – the man whose leadership plans he dashed – appointed Foreign Secretary.
The former justice secretary joins ex-chancellor George Osborne on the backbenches in a dramatic reshaping of the Cabinet team, which also saw Mr Cameron’s education secretary Nicky Morgan, culture secretary John Whittingdale and chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Oliver Letwin leave the Government.
However, a Downing Street source played down media reports that Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was also facing the boot as “pure speculation”.
The sackings came as Mrs May returned to Downing Street on Thursday morning to continue building her new Cabinet team.
Ms Morgan said she was “disappointed not to be continuing as education secretary and minister for women and equalities – two wonderful roles it’s been a privilege to hold”.
And Mr Whittingdale said it had been “a privilege” to serve as culture secretary, adding: “I wish my successor every success and will continue to support creative industries.”