Theresa May's reshuffle in disarray
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What had been heralded only 24 hours before as the cabinet reshuffle to stamp Theresa May's authority on her government, a bold and ruthless purge to demonstrate that she is in charge and in complete control, has turned into nothing of the sort. In fact the proverbial "damp squib", was not even present for this performance of stunning ineptitude and chaos. The event got off to a poor and confused start with the announcement that Chris Grayling was to be the new Conservative Party Chair. Less than 5 minutes later, the "appointment" was hurriedly withdrawn and Grayling's name was never mentioned again as he remains Transport with Brandon Lewis later appointed to Conservative party Chair. Grayling must be the shortest serving party Chair in the history of politics.
From there the day which had started badly became even worse. Minister after minister who Theresa May wanted to move to other positions (or perhaps even sack), told her very clearly that they were not prepared to leave their posts. What threats these cabinet members used to keep their positions we may only speculate on, but at the end of the day Johnson, Hammond, Rudd, Davis, Hunt, Leadsom, and Clarke all remain in place. Justine Greening resigned from government rather than be moved, adding another complication after Brokenshire resigned from government on health grounds.
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The resultant chaos from this reshuffle that never was will no doubt have ramifications for Theresa May over the coming weeks. If she expected some support from the usual quarters this morning, she is sadly mistaken. She probably expected some criticism from those elements of the media who traditionally would not necessarily support a conservative government, but she must have been shocked and even hurt by the savage comments in those papers who usually support the conservatives no matter what. Today's papers reveal the extent to which the Prime Minister has been damaged by the events of yesterday. A glance at the headlines will be worrying not only for Theresa May, but for all of her government.
"No Prime Minister." Daily Mail.
"Cabinet reshuffle descends into chaos". Express
"Night of the blunt stiletto". Telegraph.
"Greening quits in shambolic reshuffle". Times.
"Theresa May's Cabinet reshuffle backfires as education secretary Justine Greening refuses new role and quits". Evening Standard.
"Night of the blunt knives: Ministers wreck reshuffle". Independent.
Senior Conservative tells The Independent, 'if this was meant to show she has the power to reshuffle her Cabinet, it has shown the complete opposite'
A few short weeks ago, some senior conservative sources were saying that Theresa May would only be allowed one more mistake, but yesterday she made a series of errors and misjudgements.
Cabinet reshuffles are supposed to be about the Prime Minister asserting her power. Yesterdays comedy of errors has only underlined her weakness.
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