New UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak started delivering on his “work would begin immediately” promise within an hour of his meeting with King Charles III. A string of members of Liz Truss’s team of ministers were asked to step down as a precursor to the announcement of his new cabinet. Two crucial appointments were made by evening — Dominic Raab as the Deputy Prime Minister and Jeremy Hunt as finance minister.
So far four ministers have been asked to step down. Among them are Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, Justice Secretary Brandon Lewis, Work and Pensions Secretary Chloe Smith and Development minister Vicky Ford, sources said.
Dominic Raab — — who was the Deputy Prime Minister for former Prime Minister Boris Johnson — will also hold the Secretary of State for Justice portfolio.
Jeremy Hunt — who replaced Kwasi Kwarteng — will stay on as the finance minister, tweeted the Prime Minister’s official twitter handle.
The Rt Hon Dominic Raab MP @DominicRaab has been appointed Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Chancellor, and Secretary of State for Justice @MoJGovUK. #Reshuffle pic.twitter.com/aikeZwQ1rH
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) October 25, 2022
He also included Suella Braverman as the Secretary of State for the Home Department. The hardline interior minister had quit last week over a technical breach of government rules.
In his first address as Prime Minister, Mr Sunak promised to place “economic stability and competence” at the heart of his government’s agenda. “Trust is earned and I will earn yours,” he said, describing his election as a measure to correct the “mistakes” of his predecessors.
His government, Mr Sunak also said, will deliver on the promise of stronger NHS (National Healthcare system), schools, safer streets, supporting armed forces, levelling up and create jobs. It will have “integrity, professionalism and accountability at every level,” he had said.
The Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP @Jeremy_Hunt has been re-appointed Chancellor of the Exchequer @HMTreasury. #Reshuffle pic.twitter.com/Z2RepjNHj2
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) October 25, 2022
UK is currently facing a huge economic slump that’s rapidly progressing towards recession. Critics have accused the Conservative party of failing to address the situation.
Last week, Mr Sunak’s predecessor Liz Truss stepped down after her mini budget — which had a large component of unfunded tax cuts — spooked the markets. The U-turn made by Jeremy Hunt, whom she appointed after sacking Kwasi Kwarteng, was unable to reverse the economic tumult.
Bond yields had spiked and the pound collapsed to a record dollar-low on fears of spiralling debt. Mr Sunak’s takeover had stabilised the situation to an extent, but Mr Hunt had warned of “difficult decisions” in the days ahead.
In his address today, Mr Sunak echoed the sentiment. But he said it would be tempered with “compassion”.
“You saw me during Covid doing everything I could to protect people and businesses with schemes like furlough. There are always limits, more so now than ever. But I promise you this, I will bring that same compassion to the challenges we face today,” he said.
