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Politics

05th Jul 2022

Boris Johnson appoints new health secretary as he signals intention to dig in

Jack Peat

The PM’s administration was rocked after Chancellor Rishi Sunak and Sajid Javid sensationally resigned 

Boris Johnson has signalled his intention to dig in after he rapidly appointed a new Health Secretary.

Sajid Javid resigned earlier today, saying that he can “no longer continue in good conscience.”

Chancellor Rishi Sunak stepped down just moments after, while three parliamentary private secretaries also handed in their resignations.

But Johnson retained the loyalty of a handful of his Cabinet members.

Jacob Rees-Mogg has denied that the government is “bleeding out”, telling Channel 4 News that the PM has a mandate from the British people and those who have resigned from his cabinet are “eminently replaceable.”

Nadine Dorries also publically shared her support.

Earlier today she was seen racing into Number 10 to the PM’s aid, with speculation emerging that she could be in line for Javid’s position.

But that was put to bed after it was announced Steve Barclay would take the position.

Barclay was previously the chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and chief of staff for Downing Street.

Indeed, this is his fifth job since 2018 in a sign that BoJo could be scraping the barrel.

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