LONDON: Britain’s government is to undergo a reshuffle on Monday as Prime Minister Theresa May (pictured) looks to reassert her authority following a string of high-profile departures, according to MPs. Deputy prime minister Damian Green is set to be replaced after stepping down last month over a pornography scandal, following on from the departures of ministers Michael Fallon and Priti Patel embroiled in separate controversies. “Damian Green’s departure before Christmas means that some changes do have to be made, and I will be making some changes,” May told BBC’s Andrew Marr Show on Sunday. A Labour MP who wished to remain anonymous said that the reshuffle would take place on Monday, having received confirmation from Conservative colleagues.
May’s Downing Street office also said that widespread reports that cabinet ministers would discover their fate on Monday were not inaccurate. Green’s resignation came as part of a broader scandal over sexual harassment at Westminster, which prompted defence minister Fallon’s departure in November. He was controversially replaced by chief whip Gavin Williamson. Fallon’s resignation was followed a week later by that of Patel, Britain’s overseas aid minister, who stepped down over unauthorised meetings in Israel, but neither event triggered a reshuffle. Former minister for armed forces Penny Mordaunt assumed Patel’s position on November 9. — AFP
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