Andrew Mitchell is government’s chief whip (Image Courtesy: UK Department for International Development)
David Cameron’s reshuffles his cabinet today for the first time since he took charge as the Prime Minister in an effort to reassert his authority, and the first move is seen in International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell being appointed as the government chief whip.
As a government chief whip, Mitchell’s main role is to get Conservative MPs to vote in favour of coalition legislation. Mitchell replaces Patrick McLoughlin for the job.
Cameron said, “Andrew has done a superb job as Britain’s development secretary. He has made British development policy transparent, focused and highly effective.”
“As chief whip, Andrew will ensure strong support for our radical legislative programme, by working hard to win the argument in the Commons as well as playing a big role in the No 10 team”, the Prime Minister elaborated on Mitchell’s new role.
Justice Secretary Ken Clarke, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt, Health Secretary Andrew Lansley, Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan and Conservative chairman Baroness Warsi are others who expected to be moved. However, the reshuffling is unlikely to affect Home Secretary Theresa May, Chancellor George Osborne and Foreign Secretary William Hague.
David Cameron is also likely to bring back former Liberal Democrat cabinet minister David Laws in some capacity. Laws had resigned as chief secretary to the Treasury two years ago after admitting he claimed expenses to pay his partner’s rent.
Grant Shapps, the housing minister, and employment minister Chris Grayling and Maria Miller, the minister for the disabled people are the Conservatives who are likely to be promoted.
Cameron’s decision to reshuffle the cabinet comes after many Conservative MPs accused the coalition of not doing enough to promote economic growth.
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David Cameron fights back critics, reveals plans to revive economy
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