Boris Johnson shreds May's Cabinet in 'brutal' reshuffle

  • Video report by ITV News Political Correspondent Romilly Weeks

Boris Johnson has axed detractors in a "brutal" Cabinet reshuffle, surrounding himself with like-minded Brexiters committed to his pledge to leave the EU by the end of October.

Sajid Javid is the new Chancellor, Pritti Patel comes back into the Cabinet fold as Home Secretary and Dominic Raab will move to the Foreign Office.

Mr Johnson has surrounded himself with people committed to his "no ifs, no buts" pledge outlined in his first Downing Street speech.

Indeed, it's understood all those joining his Cabinet team have signed a pledge to take the UK out of Europe by October 31.

Seventeen of the Ministers appointed by Theresa May have stood down or been sacked.

"Nobody alive has seen anything quite as brutal" as this Cabinet reshuffle, ITV Political Editor Robert Peston said.

  • PM boots May's Cabinet stalwarts for Brexit believers

It was a case of jump before you're pushed for many of the recognisable faces from Mrs May's premiership.

Jeremy Hunt has left the Government. It was previously mooted he'd be offered a Cabinet role but decided to quit Boris Johnson's Government to spend more time on the backbenches - and with his young family.

Liam Fox, the International Trade Secretary under Theresa May, won't take a role in Johnson's Government. Chris Grayling, who looked after Transport, also jumped ship.

In an awkward turn, Immigration Minister Caroline Nokes found out about her sacking from a Daily Mail journalist.

Commentating on the resignations and changing face of the party, former Tory Nick Boles said: "Liberal One Nation Conservatives have been ruthlessly culled. Only a few neutered captives are being kept on as window dressing."

In further resignations, Penny Mordaunt left Defence, Damien Hinds said goodbye Education, the Scottish office was vacated by David Mundell.

Northern Ireland minister Karen Bradley resigned her position, as did James Brokenshire from his gig overseeing Housing.

David Lidington, who was effectively the deputy prime minister under May, quit his role looking after the Duchy of Lancaster office.

Rory Stewart backed out of the International Defence role, David Gauke hung up his brief for Justice and Mel Strike will no longer be Leader of the Commons.

And as if that wasn't enough resignations for one day, Jeremy Wright won't be Culture Minister after standing down.

  • Who is on the new team that will help deliver Brexit?

Not only has he reorganised the oh-so-familiar faces we see and hear on a daily basis, but his behind the scenes team has been gathered from well-trusted colleagues and Brexit believers.

Standing beside the new PM as a Senior Adviser is Dominic Cummings - one of the architects of Brexit.

Cummings thought up the now infamous £350 million bus and played a key strategy role for Vote Leave in the 2016 referendum.

Reflecting his message of appointing a leadership that represents Britain, Johnson gave key roles to women and people from ethnic minorities.

Among those appointments was Sajid Javid, who keeps a Cabinet position - but will be moving in to Number 11 Downing Street after scooping the job as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He said it was a "great privilege" to get to work with the new PM.

Priti Patel, who quit Theresa May's cabinet over her secret meetings with senior Israeli figures, is the new Home Secretary.

Dominic Raab completed a trio of expected appointments by becoming Foreign Secretary.

Jacob Rees-Mogg was rewarded for his Brexit support by being given the position of the Leader of the House of Commons.

Raab, Truss and Barclay have been rewarded for their backing of Johnson. Credit: PA

Steve Barclay will remain as Brexit Secretary, Downing Street said.

Matt Hancock will stay as Health boss, despite earlier laughing off a question from ITV News about what position he was expecting. Amber Rudd will also stay on, keeping a grip of the Work and Pensions tab but also taking charge of the Women and Equalities office.

Michael Gove, who campaigned alongside Boris Johnson for Vote Leave and then stabbed him in the back during the leadership race, has been appointed Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster - effectively making him Deputy PM.

Shapps, Leadsom and Gove all find a place at the Cabinet table. Credit: PA

Gavin Williamson, who famously told Russia to "shut up and go away", will no longer be Defence caretaker - instead looking after the Education portfolio.

Instead Ben Wallace has been appointed Defence Secretary and Liz Truss appointed International Trade Secretary. The Culture office will be held by Nicky Morgan.

Few will say Grant Shapps has big shoes to fill after he picks up Transport from Chris Grayling.

Andrea Leadsom will take care of Energy, whilst Theresa Villiers takes up the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs brief, meaning she'll pick up the insurmountable task of dealing with the UK's approach to climate change.

There will be two Roberts in the Cabinet, Robert Genrick will pick up the Housing baton from James Brokenshire. Meanwhile, Robert Buckland has been appointed Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary.

Alan Cairns stays on a Wales Minister, Scotland will be managed by Alister Jack and former Government chief whip Julian Smith has been appointed the new Northern Ireland Secretary.

Alok Sharma replaces Rory Stewart on International Development. James Cleverly gets a promotion to minister without portfolio and Conservative Party chairman.

Baroness Evans of Bowes Park will remain Leader of the House of Lords, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox will also remain in post.