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Boris Johnson cabinet: Sajid Javid, Priti Patel and Dominic Raab given top jobs – live news Boris Johnson cabinet: Sajid Javid, Priti Patel and Dominic Raab given top jobs – live news
(32 minutes later)
Here is a Guardian panel on the Boris Johnson speech earlier, with contributions from Zoe Williams, Owen Jones, Simon Jenkins, Anand Menon and Katy Balls.
What did we learn from Boris Johnson’s first speech as prime minister? Our panel responds
Liz Truss, the chief secretary to the Treasury, was publicly pitching for the chancellor’s job. There was speculation she could go to business. But instead she will replace Liam Fox as international trade secretary, Number 10 has announced.
Ben Wallace, the Home Office minister and a longstanding Boris Johnson ally, has been made defence secretary, Number 10 says.
Michael Gove, the environment secretary, has been made chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. That means he will be based in the Cabinet Office.
On paper, that does not seem like much of a job. The formal demands of the job are minimal (like appointing vicars in Lancashire). But the title is normally bestowed on a minister given some kind of “fixer” role. David Lidington, Theresa May’s de facto deputy, was chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. Oliver Letwin also held the post.
Over the weekend the Boris Johnson camp briefed that Gove would be getting a promotion. This job could be a promotion, but that will depend on what Johnson asks Gove to “fix”, and how much authority he is given.
The person doing this job also often doubles us as “minister for the Today programme” - ie the government’s go-to media performer. This is something Gove would do very well.
Stephen Barclay is staying as Brexit secretary, No 10 has announced.
Priti Patel told Sky News it was a “great honour” to be appointed home secretary, adding that the role comes with “significant responsibilities”. She said:
I will do everything in my power to keep our country safe, our people secure, and also to fight the scourge of crime that we see on our streets. I look forward to the challenges that now lie ahead.
Here is the full text of Boris Johnson’s speech in Downing Street earlier. Theresa May’s “burning injustices” speech when she was appointed PM turned out to be a very poor guide to what she achieved in office, but it was probably a good pointer to what she would have liked to have achieved in other circumstances. Johnson’s speech is also worth reading closely - although reading it is not easy, because he does not seem to believe in punctuation. I’ve inserted full stops, commas etc to make it readable.
Here are the main points.
Johnson declared rhetorical war on the “pessimists” who, he claimed, had been talking the country down. At the start of his speech he said:
And so I am standing before you today to tell you, the British people, that those critics are wrong - the doubters, the doomsters, the gloomsters – they are going to get it wrong again.
The people who bet against Britain are going to lose their shirts because we are going to restore trust in our democracy.
At the end of his speech he also returned to this theme, saying:
No one in the last few centuries has succeeded in betting against the pluck and nerve and ambition of this country. They will not succeed today.
As I said earlier, Johnson’s key soundbite seems to have been lifted from a Bill Clinton speech in 2012. (See 4.11pm.) You can watch the Clinton speech here (at 47.40). But Clinton deployed his optimism surge at the end of a long and brilliantly-argued speech. For Johnson, the optimism surge was his opening, and his main point.
He said the government would immediately start hiring 20,000 more police officers. This commitment came in a passage that implied there would be a frenzy of domestic policy-making in the next few days
My job is to make your streets safer – and we are going to begin with another 20,000 police on the streets and we start recruiting forthwith.
My job is to make sure you don’t have to wait 3 weeks to see your GP and we start work this week with 20 new hospital upgrades, and ensuring that money for the NHS really does get to the front line.
My job is to protect you or your parents or grandparents from the fear of having to sell your home to pay for the costs of care and so I am announcing now – on the steps of Downing Street – that we will fix the crisis in social care once and for all with a clear plan we have prepared to give every older person the dignity and security they deserve.
My job is to make sure your kids get a superb education wherever they are in the country and that’s why we have already announced that we are going to level up per pupil funding in primary and secondary schools and that is the work that begins immediately behind that black door.
All of this sounds like “action this day” stuff, as Churchill would have put it. But these commitments are less imminent than they sound. When Johnson announced his plan for 20,000 more police officers during the leadership campaign, the press notice explicitly said this target would not be hit until 2022, the end of this parliament. Having 20 new hospital upgrades sounds good, but hospitals are being upgraded around the UK all the time. And on social care Johnson is doing no more than reiterating the government’s determination to address a problem that has been urgent for many years now. Theresa May was also committed to addressing this. Johnson has not said anything about why he might succeed where she didn’t.
Johnson said that he wanted to unite the whole of the country.
And I will tell you something else about my job. It is to be prime minister of the whole United Kingdom.
And that means uniting our country, answering at last the plea of the forgotten people and the left behind towns by physically and literally renewing the ties that bind us together, so that with safer streets and better education and fantastic new road and rail infrastructure and full fibre broadband we level up across Britain.
With higher wages, and a higher living wage, and higher productivity we close the opportunity gap, giving millions of young people the chance to own their own homes and giving business the confidence to invest across the UK.
Because it is time we unleashed the productive power not just of London and the South East but of every corner of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland - the awesome foursome that are incarnated in that red white and blue flag.
There is nothing unusual about a new PM wanting to govern for the whole country; all new PMs say they want to do this. But in this passage Johnson seems to be conflating two quite different issues: the need to preserve the union, and the need to address the concerns of so-called left-behind regions. These are two quite different problems, and if Johnson thinks the same solutions will address them, he is mistaken. (Maybe he doesn’t, but the passage reads as if it has been written by someone who thinks the politics of Boston are the same as the politics of Belfast.)
He confirmed that he wanted to deliver Brexit by the end of October. “We will come out of the EU on October 31,” he said.
He said that he was “convinced” he could get a Brexit deal - and implied that the EU would be to blame if he failed. He said:
I am convinced that we can do a deal without checks at the Irish border, because we refuse under any circumstances to have such checks, and yet without that anti-democratic backstop.
And it is of course vital at the same time that we prepare for the remote possibility that Brussels refuses any further to negotiate and we are forced to come out with no deal - not because we want that outcome – of course not - but because it is only common sense to prepare.
He implied that he wanted people to prepare for the possibility of a no-deal Brexit “with high hearts and growing confidence”. This is how the speech continued, after the passage quoted above where Johnson said it was “common sense” to prepare for no-deal.
Let me stress that there is a vital sense in which those preparations cannot be wasted and that is because under any circumstances we will need to get ready, at some point in the near future, to come out of the EU customs union and out of regulatory control, fully determined at last to take advantage of Brexit.
Because that is the course on which this country is now set, with high hearts and growing confidence we will now accelerate the work of getting ready. And the ports will be ready, and the banks will be ready, and the factories will be ready and business will be ready, and the hospitals will be ready, and our amazing food and farming sector will be ready and waiting to continue selling ever more not just here but around the world.
In this passage Johnson is conflating preparations for a no-deal Brexit with preparations for Brexit, as if they are the same thing. They are not. But there is almost no one in business preparing for no-deal with “high hearts”.
Johnson claimed that, in the event of a no-deal Brexit, the UK would have an extra £39bn - the sum due to be paid to the EU under the withdrawal agreement. But the EU does not accept that. And until Johnson became prime minister today, the Treasury’s argument used to be that much of this money would have to be paid anyway, because it represents debts for which the UK was legally liable. Ministers used to argue that, if the UK did not pay up, it could get taken to court, and its reputation as a good faith negotiating partner would be badly damaged.
Johnson said that there would be a giveaway budget in the autumn, whatever happened over Brexit. He said:
Whatever deal we do we will prepare this autumn for an economic package to boost British business and to lengthen this country’s lead as the number one destination in this continent for overseas investment.
He called for tax cuts to promote investment in capital and research.
He reaffirmed his commitment to free ports.
He said he wanted to relax the rules that apply to GM foods after Brexit.
Let’s start now to liberate the UK’s extraordinary bioscience sector from anti genetic modification rules and let’s develop the blight-resistant crops that will feed the world.
This sounds partly like a US ask for a trade deal.
He suggested he wanted the UK to build an alternative to the EU’s Galileo satellite navigation system. He said:
Let’s get going now on our own position navigation and timing satellite and earth observation systems – UK assets orbiting in space with all the long term strategic and commercial benefits for this country.
He implied that an early election was likely. At one point Johnson seemed to by toying with his audience, as if he was about to announce an election. He didn’t, but everything he said about his domestic agenda suggested he will soon want to get a decent majority, because without one his ambitions cannot be achieved.
The last person to combine being foreign secretary with first secretary of state was William Hague, who used to deputise for David Cameron at PMQs.The last person to combine being foreign secretary with first secretary of state was William Hague, who used to deputise for David Cameron at PMQs.
Presumably Dominic Raab will do the same for Boris Johnson.Presumably Dominic Raab will do the same for Boris Johnson.
MPs being MPs, Tories have probably started already speculating about who their next leader will be. This reshuffle suggests Raab is being lined up as heir apparent.MPs being MPs, Tories have probably started already speculating about who their next leader will be. This reshuffle suggests Raab is being lined up as heir apparent.
This is from the new chancellor.This is from the new chancellor.
Deeply honoured to be appointed Chancellor by PM @BorisJohnson. Looking forward to working with @hmtreasury to prepare for leaving the EU, unifying our country and priming our economy for the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.Deeply honoured to be appointed Chancellor by PM @BorisJohnson. Looking forward to working with @hmtreasury to prepare for leaving the EU, unifying our country and priming our economy for the incredible opportunities that lie ahead.
This is from Liz Truss - who had hoped for one of these top jobs herself. This is from Liz Truss, who had hoped for one of these top jobs herself.
Excellent appointments for the Great Offices of State. @sajidjavid, @patel4witham and @DominicRaab all modern, positive, free-enterprise Conservatives.Excellent appointments for the Great Offices of State. @sajidjavid, @patel4witham and @DominicRaab all modern, positive, free-enterprise Conservatives.
Dominic Raab has been appointed foreign secretary and first secretary of state.Dominic Raab has been appointed foreign secretary and first secretary of state.
First secretary of state is a title sometimes given to a minister by the PM. Damian Green was the last person to hold the post. It means Dominic Raab, who was Brexit secretary until he resigned at the end of last year because he was opposed to the withdrawal agreement, is effectively deputy prime minister (unless Boris Johnson surprises us all and appoints an actual deputy prime minister).First secretary of state is a title sometimes given to a minister by the PM. Damian Green was the last person to hold the post. It means Dominic Raab, who was Brexit secretary until he resigned at the end of last year because he was opposed to the withdrawal agreement, is effectively deputy prime minister (unless Boris Johnson surprises us all and appoints an actual deputy prime minister).
Priti Patel is the new home secretary.Priti Patel is the new home secretary.
The Rt Hon Priti Patel @patel4witham has been appointed Secretary of State for the Home Department @ukhomeoffice pic.twitter.com/O5PCExDg8OThe Rt Hon Priti Patel @patel4witham has been appointed Secretary of State for the Home Department @ukhomeoffice pic.twitter.com/O5PCExDg8O
The Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has invited Boris Johnson to a “one to one” meeting, the first premier in Europe to do so. Interviewed on RTÉ Six One TV news, Varadkar said he wanted an “orderly” exit but warned that Ireland’s red lines over the Irish border “have not changed”. He said:The Irish taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, has invited Boris Johnson to a “one to one” meeting, the first premier in Europe to do so. Interviewed on RTÉ Six One TV news, Varadkar said he wanted an “orderly” exit but warned that Ireland’s red lines over the Irish border “have not changed”. He said:
These are the kind of things we have to discuss. I look forward to having the opportunity to sit down one to one and for our teams to meet and to see if they can put a little detail behind those slogans and statements.These are the kind of things we have to discuss. I look forward to having the opportunity to sit down one to one and for our teams to meet and to see if they can put a little detail behind those slogans and statements.
He’s a new prime minister and he’s only a few hours in office. Our job is to look out for the best interests of Ireland, the best for the EU, of which we are part, and to try and work with whoever is the British prime minister of the day.He’s a new prime minister and he’s only a few hours in office. Our job is to look out for the best interests of Ireland, the best for the EU, of which we are part, and to try and work with whoever is the British prime minister of the day.
Sajid Javid is the new chancellor, No 10 has confirmed.Sajid Javid is the new chancellor, No 10 has confirmed.
This is officially the biggest clear out of Cabinet without a change of party in power - more than half of them gone - not a reshuffle it’s a new govtThis is officially the biggest clear out of Cabinet without a change of party in power - more than half of them gone - not a reshuffle it’s a new govt
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson made her feelings about Boris Johnson’s sacking of the Scottish secretary, David Mundell, immediately and abundantly clear. Describing his work at the Scotland Office as “exemplary”, the warmly-worded statement appears to contrast Mundell’s personal style with that of Johnson, saying:Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson made her feelings about Boris Johnson’s sacking of the Scottish secretary, David Mundell, immediately and abundantly clear. Describing his work at the Scotland Office as “exemplary”, the warmly-worded statement appears to contrast Mundell’s personal style with that of Johnson, saying:
While David chooses to conduct himself publicly in a typically understated manner, his strategic brain has been at the heart of the rebuilding project of the Scottish Conservatives.While David chooses to conduct himself publicly in a typically understated manner, his strategic brain has been at the heart of the rebuilding project of the Scottish Conservatives.
On a personal level, David handled his coming out as the Conservatives’ first openly gay cabinet minister with customary care and grace.On a personal level, David handled his coming out as the Conservatives’ first openly gay cabinet minister with customary care and grace.
Davidson is not a woman to pick a fight with, and Johnson just has.Davidson is not a woman to pick a fight with, and Johnson just has.
Jeremy Wright, the culture minister, has also been sacked, according to the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn.Jeremy Wright, the culture minister, has also been sacked, according to the Sun’s Tom Newton Dunn.
Yet another: Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright has been sacked.Yet another: Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright has been sacked.
And here is his tally of the reshuffle so far.And here is his tally of the reshuffle so far.
What we know so far: half the Cabinet - 16 - have gone in the most brutal reshuffle in decades.Sacked (10, so far):HuntMordauntFox Clark HindsBradleyWrightMundellBrokenshire NokesResigned (4): Hammond GaukeStewartPerryRetired (2):GraylingLidingtonWhat we know so far: half the Cabinet - 16 - have gone in the most brutal reshuffle in decades.Sacked (10, so far):HuntMordauntFox Clark HindsBradleyWrightMundellBrokenshire NokesResigned (4): Hammond GaukeStewartPerryRetired (2):GraylingLidington
Mel Stride’s short cabinet career is over. He was leader of the Commons, but only for two months. He replaced Andrea Leadsom when she quit after Theresa May floated the idea of including a second referendum in the EU withdrawal agreement bill.Mel Stride’s short cabinet career is over. He was leader of the Commons, but only for two months. He replaced Andrea Leadsom when she quit after Theresa May floated the idea of including a second referendum in the EU withdrawal agreement bill.
Stride voted remain in 2016, of course ...Stride voted remain in 2016, of course ...
Huge honour to have served as Lord President and Leader of the House. Looking forward to continuing to support my constituents and our PM from backbenches. Huge thanks to all who supported me so brilliantly during my 5 yrs in govt - in the whips office, HMT and in Leader’s OfficeHuge honour to have served as Lord President and Leader of the House. Looking forward to continuing to support my constituents and our PM from backbenches. Huge thanks to all who supported me so brilliantly during my 5 yrs in govt - in the whips office, HMT and in Leader’s Office
Jeremy Corbyn has issued this statement about Boris Johnson’s speech earlier. Corbyn said:Jeremy Corbyn has issued this statement about Boris Johnson’s speech earlier. Corbyn said:
After nine years of cuts to our schools, police and councils, the country deserves better than Boris Johnson’s empty bluster.After nine years of cuts to our schools, police and councils, the country deserves better than Boris Johnson’s empty bluster.
The new prime minister’s priority is more tax giveaways for the richest and big businesses, not support for our public services.The new prime minister’s priority is more tax giveaways for the richest and big businesses, not support for our public services.
The prime minister has no plan for Brexit and is staking everything on a sweetheart trade deal with Donald Trump which would risk the takeover of our NHS by US corporations.The prime minister has no plan for Brexit and is staking everything on a sweetheart trade deal with Donald Trump which would risk the takeover of our NHS by US corporations.
A Labour government can stop Boris Johnson and bring an end to austerity, tackle the climate emergency and invest in our communities. We need a general election and a Labour government that works for the many, not the privileged few.A Labour government can stop Boris Johnson and bring an end to austerity, tackle the climate emergency and invest in our communities. We need a general election and a Labour government that works for the many, not the privileged few.