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Boris Johnson prepares to enter No 10 as Hunt 'refuses cabinet demotion' – live news Boris Johnson prepares to enter No 10 as Hunt 'refuses cabinet demotion' – live news
(32 minutes later)
This is from Sarah Wollaston, the former Conservative MP who now sits as an independent.
If true, would be an appalling error of judgement to appoint someone who has been in contempt of Parliament. Very rare for this to happen & would be shameful to be rewarded by PM with such a high profile role. Background to this here: https://t.co/cx7dm5h7Jg https://t.co/3CnCbue1MS
Wollaston is referring to how Dominic Cummings was found to be in contempt of parliament because he refused to give evidence to the culture committee inquiry into fake news.
From the Spectator’s James Forsyth
Understand that Boris Johnson is planning to do away with chief of staff style titles in Number 10
Boris Johnson is said to operate a “court” where a wide circle of advisers compete for his attention, not all of them saying the same thing (unlike, say, Theresa May, who relied very heavily on just two close aides when she became PM). Johnson also does not like disappointing people. That might be why he would be attracted to the idea of not have to choose just one person to be chief of staff.
More on Dominic Cummings. This is what my colleague Patrick Wintour wrote in 2013, summarising a 250-page essay Cummings had written on how to reform education.
Education in England is no better than mediocre, and billions of pounds have been wasted on pointless university courses and Sure Start schemes for young children, Michael Gove’s special adviser has said in an outspoken private thesis written a few weeks before he is due to step down from his post.
Dominic Cummings, the most influential adviser to the education secretary in the past five years, also argues in a revealing 250-page paper that “real talent” is rare among the nation’s teachers – and, eye-catchingly, says educationists need to better understand the impact of genetics on children. The adviser, known for making fierce demands of civil servants, writes that the endgame for the Department for Education should be to reduce its role to acting as accountants and inspectors, employing hundreds and not thousands of civil servants – and creating an environment in which private and state education would be indistinguishable.
The Cummings manifesto claims that “the education of the majority even in rich countries is between awful and mediocre”, and that the quality of maths education, in particular, is poor.
“In England, few are well trained in the basics of extended writing or mathematical and scientific modelling and problem-solving,” he writes.
According to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Boris Johnson is going to appoint Dominic Cummings as a senior adviser.According to the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg, Boris Johnson is going to appoint Dominic Cummings as a senior adviser.
One big appointment coming today - Dominic Cummings expected to be senior advisor to the new PM - Vote Leave chief moving into govt - huge brain and experienced in govt, and will be applauded by Brexiteers - highly controversial tooOne big appointment coming today - Dominic Cummings expected to be senior advisor to the new PM - Vote Leave chief moving into govt - huge brain and experienced in govt, and will be applauded by Brexiteers - highly controversial too
This would be a remarkable appointment – depending on how much power Cummings ends up having, perhaps one of the two or three most important of the day. Cummings is an ultra-bright, scruffy iconoclast who worked as a special adviser for Michael Gove before becoming campaign director for Vote Leave. He is credited by some with being the mastermind behind that campaign, which is why the playwright James Graham gave him the central role (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) in his TV drama about Brexit.This would be a remarkable appointment – depending on how much power Cummings ends up having, perhaps one of the two or three most important of the day. Cummings is an ultra-bright, scruffy iconoclast who worked as a special adviser for Michael Gove before becoming campaign director for Vote Leave. He is credited by some with being the mastermind behind that campaign, which is why the playwright James Graham gave him the central role (played by Benedict Cumberbatch) in his TV drama about Brexit.
The key point about Cummings is that is he not really a conservative; he is a Tory Leninist who believes British government, and especially the civil service (of which he has been very critical) needs fundamental reform. Officials in Number 10 will be horrified at the prospect of his heading their way. Some of Johnson’s allies in the European Research Group, which represents hardline Brexiter Tories, will also be concerned. Cummings has been caustic about them in the past. For example, this is what he said in a blog earlier this year.The key point about Cummings is that is he not really a conservative; he is a Tory Leninist who believes British government, and especially the civil service (of which he has been very critical) needs fundamental reform. Officials in Number 10 will be horrified at the prospect of his heading their way. Some of Johnson’s allies in the European Research Group, which represents hardline Brexiter Tories, will also be concerned. Cummings has been caustic about them in the past. For example, this is what he said in a blog earlier this year.
Those of you in the narcissist-delusional subset of the ERG who have spent the last three years scrambling for the 8.10 Today slot while spouting gibberish about trade and the law across SW1 – i.e exactly the contemptible behaviour that led to your enforced marginalisation during the referendum and your attempt to destroy Vote Leave – you are also in the pirate category. You were useful idiots for remain during the campaign and with every piece of bullshit from Bill Cash et al you have helped only Remain for three years. Remember how you WELCOMED the backstop as a ‘triumph’ in December 2017 when it was obvious to everybody who knew what was going on – NOT the cabinet obviously – that this effectively ended the ‘negotiations’? Remember how Bernard Jenkin wrote on ConHome that he didn’t have to ‘ruin his weekend’ reading the document to know it was another success for the natural party of government — bringing to mind very clearly how during the referendum so many of you guys were too busy shooting or skiing or chasing girls to do any actual work. You should be treated like a metastasising tumour and excised from the UK body politic.Those of you in the narcissist-delusional subset of the ERG who have spent the last three years scrambling for the 8.10 Today slot while spouting gibberish about trade and the law across SW1 – i.e exactly the contemptible behaviour that led to your enforced marginalisation during the referendum and your attempt to destroy Vote Leave – you are also in the pirate category. You were useful idiots for remain during the campaign and with every piece of bullshit from Bill Cash et al you have helped only Remain for three years. Remember how you WELCOMED the backstop as a ‘triumph’ in December 2017 when it was obvious to everybody who knew what was going on – NOT the cabinet obviously – that this effectively ended the ‘negotiations’? Remember how Bernard Jenkin wrote on ConHome that he didn’t have to ‘ruin his weekend’ reading the document to know it was another success for the natural party of government — bringing to mind very clearly how during the referendum so many of you guys were too busy shooting or skiing or chasing girls to do any actual work. You should be treated like a metastasising tumour and excised from the UK body politic.
On the Today programme Barry Gardiner, the shadow international trade secretary, confirmed that Labour is talking to Tory MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit about whether they would support the opposition in a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson. When asked about these talks, Gardiner said: “Of course those discussions are going on.”On the Today programme Barry Gardiner, the shadow international trade secretary, confirmed that Labour is talking to Tory MPs opposed to a no-deal Brexit about whether they would support the opposition in a vote of no confidence in Boris Johnson. When asked about these talks, Gardiner said: “Of course those discussions are going on.”
Here is the scene in Downing Street this morning.Here is the scene in Downing Street this morning.
Boris Johnson’s unpopularity in Scotland explains why Ian Blackford, the SNP’s leader at Westminster, told the Today programme this morning that Boris Johnson could be the last prime minister of the United Kingdom.Boris Johnson’s unpopularity in Scotland explains why Ian Blackford, the SNP’s leader at Westminster, told the Today programme this morning that Boris Johnson could be the last prime minister of the United Kingdom.
"I think as it stands today Boris Johnson could be the last prime minister of the United Kingdom."The SNP's parliamentary leader in Westminster @IanBlackfordMP says a no-deal Brexit would increase support for Scottish independence #r4Today"I think as it stands today Boris Johnson could be the last prime minister of the United Kingdom."The SNP's parliamentary leader in Westminster @IanBlackfordMP says a no-deal Brexit would increase support for Scottish independence #r4Today
Gordon Brown, the former Labour prime minister, has also been making this argument forcefully.Gordon Brown, the former Labour prime minister, has also been making this argument forcefully.
This is from ITV’s Joe Pike. The fact that the Scottish edition of the Sun can’t bring itself to print a positive splash about Boris Johnson becoming prime minister tells you a lot about how he is seen as an electoral liability for his party in Scotland.This is from ITV’s Joe Pike. The fact that the Scottish edition of the Sun can’t bring itself to print a positive splash about Boris Johnson becoming prime minister tells you a lot about how he is seen as an electoral liability for his party in Scotland.
Interesting to see the contrast between the Sun front pages: England & Wales edition and Scottish edition.No clearer evidence that @BorisJohnson has a ‘Scotland problem’. pic.twitter.com/x0CfvrTdwMInteresting to see the contrast between the Sun front pages: England & Wales edition and Scottish edition.No clearer evidence that @BorisJohnson has a ‘Scotland problem’. pic.twitter.com/x0CfvrTdwM
From the Press Association’s Ian JonesFrom the Press Association’s Ian Jones
She outran Gordon Brown and Neville Chamberlain, but didn't quite catch Jim Callaghan.Theresa May's final total as PM: 1,106 days. pic.twitter.com/axiY9AJzMsShe outran Gordon Brown and Neville Chamberlain, but didn't quite catch Jim Callaghan.Theresa May's final total as PM: 1,106 days. pic.twitter.com/axiY9AJzMs
According to the official timetable for today, Boris Johnson will not start his cabinet reshuffle until after he has been appointed prime minister by the Queen this afternoon.According to the official timetable for today, Boris Johnson will not start his cabinet reshuffle until after he has been appointed prime minister by the Queen this afternoon.
But, in practice, the reshuffle is already under way - and there is a standoff between Johnson and Jeremy Hunt, his main rival for the leadership. Hunt, the current foreign secretary, has reportedly refused a demotion to defence secretary and is refusing to budge unless he gets one of the cabinet’s most senior jobs. Johnson will have to decide whether to give in, or to see him leave the cabinet altogether.But, in practice, the reshuffle is already under way - and there is a standoff between Johnson and Jeremy Hunt, his main rival for the leadership. Hunt, the current foreign secretary, has reportedly refused a demotion to defence secretary and is refusing to budge unless he gets one of the cabinet’s most senior jobs. Johnson will have to decide whether to give in, or to see him leave the cabinet altogether.
It would not be fatal if Hunt left the cabinet. In 2016 Theresa May sacked Michael Gove, even though he came third in the leadership contest (as he did this time). But it would severely undermine Johnson’s claim to be uniting the party. And it would probably alarm Tory moderates who, despite what Johnson says about being willing to contemplate a no-deal Brexit, want to believe that in reality he would never go for that option.It would not be fatal if Hunt left the cabinet. In 2016 Theresa May sacked Michael Gove, even though he came third in the leadership contest (as he did this time). But it would severely undermine Johnson’s claim to be uniting the party. And it would probably alarm Tory moderates who, despite what Johnson says about being willing to contemplate a no-deal Brexit, want to believe that in reality he would never go for that option.
These are from the Times’ Steven Swinford and the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.These are from the Times’ Steven Swinford and the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg.
EXCLUSIVEJeremy Hunt's Cabinet future on brink after he told Boris Johnson he will not accept demotion from foreign secHe made clear he's only willing to accept 3 jobs - his current role, chancellor or DPMJohnson has offered him defence secretaryHunt has turned it downEXCLUSIVEJeremy Hunt's Cabinet future on brink after he told Boris Johnson he will not accept demotion from foreign secHe made clear he's only willing to accept 3 jobs - his current role, chancellor or DPMJohnson has offered him defence secretaryHunt has turned it down
Talks between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are ongoingBut time is ticking. Boris Johnson will sack ministers in his office in Parliament at 5pm tomorrowHe’ll appoint Cabinet ministers from 7pm in No 10Will Jeremy Hunt be among them?Talks between Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are ongoingBut time is ticking. Boris Johnson will sack ministers in his office in Parliament at 5pm tomorrowHe’ll appoint Cabinet ministers from 7pm in No 10Will Jeremy Hunt be among them?
And 1st big choice? What to do about Jeremy Hunt this morning, understand situation still not resolved-Johnson resolute Hunt should not stay as Foreign Sec, Hunt equally determined not to accept a demotion-understand he wants to stay, or would accept Home Sec, No 11, or Deputy PMAnd 1st big choice? What to do about Jeremy Hunt this morning, understand situation still not resolved-Johnson resolute Hunt should not stay as Foreign Sec, Hunt equally determined not to accept a demotion-understand he wants to stay, or would accept Home Sec, No 11, or Deputy PM
This is a risky business this morning - Johnson wants to unite the party, and forcing Hunt out would be a bad move on that front, but giving him to his refusal to budge is challenge to his authority... not even 9am, not even in Number 10 and big and difficult decision to makeThis is a risky business this morning - Johnson wants to unite the party, and forcing Hunt out would be a bad move on that front, but giving him to his refusal to budge is challenge to his authority... not even 9am, not even in Number 10 and big and difficult decision to make
Altho politics is a weird game - flip it the other way, someone who knows Johnson well says if he still refuses to move, 'He'll get the heave ho. Boris won't really mind either way, his team will be pleased. Hunt will be loyal on the backbenches so not really a risk'. Lets see!Altho politics is a weird game - flip it the other way, someone who knows Johnson well says if he still refuses to move, 'He'll get the heave ho. Boris won't really mind either way, his team will be pleased. Hunt will be loyal on the backbenches so not really a risk'. Lets see!
Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Mattha Busby.Good morning. I’m Andrew Sparrow, taking over from Mattha Busby.
As Mattha reported earlier, Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has used an article in the Daily Telegraph (paywall) to offer Boris Johnson the prospect of some sort of electoral pact in an autumn election designed to get a parliamentary majority for a hard Brexit. (See 8.34am.)As Mattha reported earlier, Nigel Farage, the Brexit party leader, has used an article in the Daily Telegraph (paywall) to offer Boris Johnson the prospect of some sort of electoral pact in an autumn election designed to get a parliamentary majority for a hard Brexit. (See 8.34am.)
During the leadership campaign Johnson repeatedly ruled this out. And this morning Matt Hancock, the health secretary and now a leading Johnson supporter, when he gave an interview to the Today programme as a proxy for the Johnson campaign. Hancock said:During the leadership campaign Johnson repeatedly ruled this out. And this morning Matt Hancock, the health secretary and now a leading Johnson supporter, when he gave an interview to the Today programme as a proxy for the Johnson campaign. Hancock said:
There is no way that we are going to have any kind of electoral pact with the Brexit party and with Nigel Farage.There is no way that we are going to have any kind of electoral pact with the Brexit party and with Nigel Farage.
Theresa May views the potential of a no-deal Brexit as a threat to the integrity of the UK, according to the outgoing prime minister’s chief of staff.Theresa May views the potential of a no-deal Brexit as a threat to the integrity of the UK, according to the outgoing prime minister’s chief of staff.
Former Tory MP Gavin Barwell told Radio 4’s Today programme:Former Tory MP Gavin Barwell told Radio 4’s Today programme:
She is a passionate unionist and she has spent a significant amount of time in Northern Ireland during her premiership.She is a passionate unionist and she has spent a significant amount of time in Northern Ireland during her premiership.
And every time she visited, that, sort of, sense that the combination of Brexit and what it could mean to the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and the lack of devolved government in Northern Ireland that there was a real threat.And every time she visited, that, sort of, sense that the combination of Brexit and what it could mean to the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland and the lack of devolved government in Northern Ireland that there was a real threat.
The secretary of state for Northern Ireland is on a statutory duty to call a border poll if she believes there is evidence to support one. So, that is a real concern to her, yes.The secretary of state for Northern Ireland is on a statutory duty to call a border poll if she believes there is evidence to support one. So, that is a real concern to her, yes.
ITV’s Shehab Khan has tweeted Boris Johnson’s comments about the former prime minister Gordon Brown’s accession to Number 10, which he said was “as democratically proper as the transition from Claudius to Nero”.ITV’s Shehab Khan has tweeted Boris Johnson’s comments about the former prime minister Gordon Brown’s accession to Number 10, which he said was “as democratically proper as the transition from Claudius to Nero”.
It's worth reading what Boris Johnson had to say when Gordon Brown became Prime Minister without facing a general election pic.twitter.com/nxFgKY1SVcIt's worth reading what Boris Johnson had to say when Gordon Brown became Prime Minister without facing a general election pic.twitter.com/nxFgKY1SVc
Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has said he is open to an electoral pact with Boris Johnson, so long as the incoming PM upholds his leadership election commitment to leaving the European Union by 31 October.Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage has said he is open to an electoral pact with Boris Johnson, so long as the incoming PM upholds his leadership election commitment to leaving the European Union by 31 October.
Writing in the Daily Telegraph (paywall), Farage declared that a general election is required to deliver Brexit and get any deal through the Commons, predicting that a Brexit-Tory alliance would “smash” the Labour party.Writing in the Daily Telegraph (paywall), Farage declared that a general election is required to deliver Brexit and get any deal through the Commons, predicting that a Brexit-Tory alliance would “smash” the Labour party.
He is going to have to risk his longed-for position as PM to ensure Brexit is enacted properly.He is going to have to risk his longed-for position as PM to ensure Brexit is enacted properly.
There is no prospect of a meaningful Brexit thanks to the views of most sitting MPs. And any attempt to prorogue parliament will lead to the PM being brought down by his own side.There is no prospect of a meaningful Brexit thanks to the views of most sitting MPs. And any attempt to prorogue parliament will lead to the PM being brought down by his own side.
The inescapable truth, therefore, is that he must hold an autumn general election. That is his only way out .. [and] for this strategy to work, he will need the support of the Brexit party.The inescapable truth, therefore, is that he must hold an autumn general election. That is his only way out .. [and] for this strategy to work, he will need the support of the Brexit party.
If he is able to convince us, then together we would electorally smash the Labour party, he would assume a big working majority, and he would go down as one of the great leaders in British history.If he is able to convince us, then together we would electorally smash the Labour party, he would assume a big working majority, and he would go down as one of the great leaders in British history.
However, Johnson has ruled out a deal with the Brexit party and has said he does not want an early election.However, Johnson has ruled out a deal with the Brexit party and has said he does not want an early election.
Although the chancellor, Philip Hammond, the justice secretary, David Gauke, and the international development secretary, Rory Stewart, have already announced they intend to resign before Johnson takes over the reins of power due to their opposition to a no-deal Brexit, the incoming prime minister is set to enter office with a number of new and returning faces in his cabinet.Although the chancellor, Philip Hammond, the justice secretary, David Gauke, and the international development secretary, Rory Stewart, have already announced they intend to resign before Johnson takes over the reins of power due to their opposition to a no-deal Brexit, the incoming prime minister is set to enter office with a number of new and returning faces in his cabinet.
The Times is reporting that Brexiter Priti Patel is to become home secretary in a return to the frontbench after she was forced to resign from her previous role in the cabinet over unauthorised contact with Israeli officials.The Times is reporting that Brexiter Priti Patel is to become home secretary in a return to the frontbench after she was forced to resign from her previous role in the cabinet over unauthorised contact with Israeli officials.
Remain-voting employment minister Alok Sharma is set for promotion to a full cabinet role, while the business secretary, Greg Clark, who also opposes no-deal, could depart the top table.Remain-voting employment minister Alok Sharma is set for promotion to a full cabinet role, while the business secretary, Greg Clark, who also opposes no-deal, could depart the top table.
Meanwhile, Brexiters including Dominic Raab, Esther McVey and Andrea Leadsom who resigned from May’s government will be eager to return.Meanwhile, Brexiters including Dominic Raab, Esther McVey and Andrea Leadsom who resigned from May’s government will be eager to return.
And what to do with the defeated candidate for leader Jeremy Hunt? He is said to be resisting attempts to demote him as foreign secretary.And what to do with the defeated candidate for leader Jeremy Hunt? He is said to be resisting attempts to demote him as foreign secretary.
Elsewhere, the home secretary, Sajid Javid, and chief secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss, have been mooted as potential replacements for Hammond as chancellor.Elsewhere, the home secretary, Sajid Javid, and chief secretary to the Treasury, Liz Truss, have been mooted as potential replacements for Hammond as chancellor.
Of his initial backroom appointments, that of Sky chief financial officer and chief operating officer Andrew Griffith as chief business adviser to Number 10 is most striking.Of his initial backroom appointments, that of Sky chief financial officer and chief operating officer Andrew Griffith as chief business adviser to Number 10 is most striking.
Sky executive among Johnson's first appointmentsSky executive among Johnson's first appointments
The Conservative party has chosen, and today Boris Johnson will become prime minister. Here is how the day will pan out.The Conservative party has chosen, and today Boris Johnson will become prime minister. Here is how the day will pan out.
12pm: Theresa May faces Jeremy Corbyn at prime minister’s questions for the final time in the House of Commons. The incoming PM is said not to be expected in the chamber for PMQs, as he prepares his new government.12pm: Theresa May faces Jeremy Corbyn at prime minister’s questions for the final time in the House of Commons. The incoming PM is said not to be expected in the chamber for PMQs, as he prepares his new government.
2pm: After saying goodbye to her staff and giving a brief valedictory speech outside of Number 10 Downing Street, May will travel to Buckingham Palace to formally resign to the queen before heading to her constituency home in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Shortly after his predecessor has left the palace, Johnson will go to see Elizabeth II, where she will appoint him as prime minister.2pm: After saying goodbye to her staff and giving a brief valedictory speech outside of Number 10 Downing Street, May will travel to Buckingham Palace to formally resign to the queen before heading to her constituency home in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Shortly after his predecessor has left the palace, Johnson will go to see Elizabeth II, where she will appoint him as prime minister.
4pm: Johnson will be driven to Downing Street, where he will address the nation for the first time in his new job before meeting the staff in his new home. Sky News is reporting that he will then be given an urgent security briefing.4pm: Johnson will be driven to Downing Street, where he will address the nation for the first time in his new job before meeting the staff in his new home. Sky News is reporting that he will then be given an urgent security briefing.
5pm: In one-on-one meetings his parliamentary office in the House of Commons, Johnson is expected to sack the majority of the current Cabinet.5pm: In one-on-one meetings his parliamentary office in the House of Commons, Johnson is expected to sack the majority of the current Cabinet.
7.30pm: Back in Downing Street, the new prime minister will begin installing his new heads of department, and is reportedly aiming to have at least 12 cabinet positions filled by 10pm.7.30pm: Back in Downing Street, the new prime minister will begin installing his new heads of department, and is reportedly aiming to have at least 12 cabinet positions filled by 10pm.
As my colleagues Heather Stewart and Jessica Elgot report, Johnson is already “love-bombing” centre-ground MPs as speculation swirls over the makeup of his first cabinet.As my colleagues Heather Stewart and Jessica Elgot report, Johnson is already “love-bombing” centre-ground MPs as speculation swirls over the makeup of his first cabinet.
Ambition fulfilled for Boris Johnson. But what next for Britain?Ambition fulfilled for Boris Johnson. But what next for Britain?
Here’s what the papers had to say about the PM in waiting overnight, courtesy of my colleague Kate Lyons.Here’s what the papers had to say about the PM in waiting overnight, courtesy of my colleague Kate Lyons.
'Meet the new dude at No 10': papers greet Boris Johnson's victory'Meet the new dude at No 10': papers greet Boris Johnson's victory
Meanwhile, the EU has dismissed as “rubbish” Johnson’s claims that the impact leaving the EU with no deal would be tempered by a series of “side deals” he claimed the UK has already agreed with Brussels, as our Brexit correspondent Lisa O’Carroll reports.Meanwhile, the EU has dismissed as “rubbish” Johnson’s claims that the impact leaving the EU with no deal would be tempered by a series of “side deals” he claimed the UK has already agreed with Brussels, as our Brexit correspondent Lisa O’Carroll reports.
Boris Johnson's claims of 'side deals' are 'pure rubbish', EU saysBoris Johnson's claims of 'side deals' are 'pure rubbish', EU says