Liz Truss has kicked supporters of her leadership rival Rishi Sunak out of government as she begins appointing a cabinet of close political allies. Prominent ministers in Boris Johnson’s cabinet, including Dominic Raab, Grant Shapps and Steve Barclay, all announced they were returning to the back tables shortly after Mrs Truss entered Downing Street for the first time as prime minister. Kwasi Kwarteng, Therese Coffey and Suella Braverman, all allies of Ms Truss tipped for top cabinet posts, were seen heading for No 10. A former special adviser to a minister in Mr Johnson’s cabinet told the Independent he feared the new prime minister was creating a “cabinet of cronies”. In her first speech as prime minister, Mrs Truss promised to “tackle the issues holding Britain back” and listed her top three priorities for running the country. From a lectern outside 10 Downing Street, the new UK leader said she wanted to “make Britain work”, “tackle the energy crisis” and “put our health services on a solid footing”.
Basic points
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Kwasi Kwarteng new chancellor
Liz Truss has appointed Kwasi Kwarteng as her Chancellor of the Exchequer. Mr Kwarteng was previously business secretary and backed Ms Truss in the Tory leadership race. Liam James6 September 2022 19:11 1662487839
The Tory chairman is gone
Andrew Stevenson said he was no longer chairman of the Conservative Party as Liz Truss carried out her first cabinet reshuffle as prime minister. He has been in the role since yesterday, after being appointed co-chairman in July. Just yesterday he tweeted a photo of himself shaking hands with a smiling Liz Truss. Liam James6 September 2022 19:10 1662487228
Therese Coffey new health secretary and deputy prime minister
Liz Truss has appointed Therese Coffey as Deputy Prime Minister and Health Secretary. Liam James6 September 2022 19:00 1662486939
Johnny Mercer was fired
Johnny Mercer has been sacked as veterans affairs minister by Liz Truss. The ex-soldier rejoined Boris Johnson’s cabinet as the former prime minister’s premiership collapsed in July. Mr Mercer was sacked as deputy defense secretary in 2021 after accusing Johnson of breaking his commitment to Britain’s troubled veterans. Liam James6 September 2022 18:55 1662486603
Watch: Key moments from Liz Truss’ first speech as Prime Minister
Key moments from Liz Truss’ first speech as Prime Minister Liam James6 September 2022 18:50 1662486579
James Cleverly at No 10, with a tip for the Foreign Office
James Cleverly followed Therese Coffey to Downing Street. The Education Secretary greeted the police officer on duty before entering No 10. He is expected to take over as Foreign Secretary from Liz Truss. Cleverly arrived for a meeting at No 10 just now (PA) Liam James6 September 2022 18:49 1662486150
Therese Coffey is headed to No 10, expected to be deputy prime minister
Therese Coffey was the third politician to enter Downing Street tonight. He stood at the open door of Number 10 and posed for the media. Boris Johnson’s Work and Pensions Secretary is expected to be appointed Deputy Prime Minister by Liz Truss. Liam James6 September 2022 18:42 1662485788
Liz Truss kicks out Sunak backers as she makes ‘coach cabinet’
Liz Truss has carried out a brutal purge of supporters of her leadership rival Rishi Sunak as she begins the process of appointing a cabinet of close political allies (writes Andrew Woodcock). Within 40 minutes of her motorcade arrival at Downing Street following her audience with the Queen at Balmoral, the new prime minister fired a trio of prominent supporters of the former chancellor. Boris Johnson’s former deputy prime minister Dominic Raab, health secretary Steve Barclay and transport secretary Grant Shapps announced they were returning to the benches, after home secretary Priti Patel and culture secretary Nadine Dorries left voluntarily last night. Mr Shapps is believed to have hoped to continue in a ministerial post after the handover. But a former special adviser to a minister in Boris Johnson’s former cabinet told the Independent he feared the new prime minister was creating a “cabinet of cronies”.
Liz Truss clears up Sunak backers as she makes ‘coach cabinet’
Liz Truss has carried out a brutal purge of supporters of her leadership rival Rishi Sunak as she begins the process of appointing a cabinet of close political allies. Liam James6 September 2022 18:36 1662485499
Watch: Downing Street staff welcome the Prime Minister
Here’s a look at Downing Street staff welcoming the new head of household: Liam James6 September 2022 18:31 1662485199
Suella Braverman heads to No 10, tipped for the Home Office
Suella Braverman came in at Number 10. The attorney general and former leadership candidate walked up Downing Street, waving and smiling at the waiting press. She is the frontrunner to replace Priti Patel as home secretary. Liam James6 September 2022 18:26
