Ms Truss added the veteran’s pension to Defense Minister James Heppey’s portfolio. New deputy prime minister and health minister Thérèse Coffey defended the prime minister’s decision on Wednesday morning. “I’m very aware that Liz has appointed a very different cabinet,” he told the BBC.
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“I am delighted that James Heappey will be taking on this role and attending Cabinet this morning. “I know the Prime Minister is very focused on delivery and pace and that’s what we’re going to be looking to achieve, including our armed forces and indeed our veterans.” Felicity Cornelius-Mercer with husband Johnny / Felicity Cornelius-Mercer Plymouth Moor View MP Mr Mercer appeared to be angered by Mrs Truss’ move, saying he was “disappointed” but accepted the new prime minister was “right to reward her supporters”. In a public letter, he also suggested he might quit the Commons, saying: “I have to accept that I will never have the qualifications required to be successful in politics as it is, and to be fair to my lovely family, I have to think about my future.” His wife went further, tweeting a picture of a character from The Muppets dressed as Mrs Truss and giving an account of Mr Mercer’s exit talks. Ms Cornelius-Mercer tweeted: “He asked her ‘why do this, who would be better in this role than me, which of your mates gets the job, did you promise meritocracy?’ “AM – I can’t answer that Johnny. “This system stinks and treats people horribly. “The best man I know was fired by a fool.” Retired General Rupert Jones said it was “deeply disappointing” that Mr Mercer had been sacked. He added: “[Mr Mercer] he cared and fought for veterans with tireless passion. “Few people are irreplaceable in politics, but when it comes to veterans, they’re close to it — veterans will be the losers in this decision.” Mr Mercer had tweeted a lengthy resignation statement accompanied by the words: “I will be spending time with my family and will not be making any media requests.”
