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15th Sep 2021

Dominic Raab ousted as Foreign Secretary but confirmed as Deputy Prime Minister

Steve Hopkins

Gavin Williamson was earlier let go as Education Secretary along with Robert Jenrick and Robert Buckland

Dominic Raab has been ousted as Foreign Secretary by Boris Johnson but has been confirmed as the Justice Secretary, Lord Chancellor, and Deputy Prime Minister.

The secretary of state, who has been under fire since August over his handling of the Afghanistan evacuations, was demoted around 3.20pm. International Trade Secretary Liz Truss will replace him in the role.

Raab’s role change came after Education Secretary Gavin Williamson was let go along with Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Community, and Local Government, and Justice Secretary Robert Buckland. Amanda Milling, the co-chairman of the Conservative Party, is also out.

Raab is yet to comment on the change.

Home secretary Priti Patel and Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak are staying in their roles, the government has said.

Nadhim Zahawi has taken over from Williamson and Michael Gove from Jenrick. Nadine Dorries has been appointed Culture Secretary.

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Education and housing have been contentious issues for the government and Williamson caused significant embarrassment earlier this month when he mistook footballer Marcus Rashford for rugby player Maro Itoje.

Williamson wrote in a tweet: It has been a privilege to serve as Education Secretary since 2019. Despite the challenges of the global pandemic, I’m particularly proud of the transformational reforms I’ve led in Post 16 education: in further education colleges, our Skills agenda, apprenticeships and more.

“This programme will create better life opportunities for pupils and students for many years to come. I look forward to continuing to support the Prime Minster and the government.”

Jenrick tweeted: It’s been a huge privilege to serve as Secretary of State @mhclg. Thank you to everyone at the department for their hard work, dedication and friendship. I’m deeply proud of all we achieved. I will continue to support the Prime Minister and the Government in every way I can.”

And Buckland wrote: It has been an honour to serve in Government for the last 7 years, and as the Lord Chancellor for the last 2. I am deeply proud of everything I have achieved. On to the next adventure.”

Johnson is said to be making the changes with the hopes of putting in place “a strong and united team to Build Back Better from the pandemic”.

Liz Truss, the international trade secretary, is among those tipped for a promotion, as is Cabinet Office minister Michael Gove, reports suggested ahead of the reshuffle.