Boris Johnson gets reshuffle underway after General Election win

Boris Johnson has begun a cabinet reshuffle following his crushing General Election victory.

In an unexpected move, Nicky Morgan, who quit parliament at the last election, has been made a life peer and will stay on in her old job as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

With three of the Prime Minister’s top team – including Miss Morgan – out following Thursday’s election, the changes are only expected to be minor.

This evening MP Simon Hart, 56, was also appointed to the post of Secretary of State for Wales.

The Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP was first elected in 2010 and is one of 14 Conservatives in Wales.

The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan @NickyMorgan01 has been confirmed as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport @DCMS pic.twitter.com/d9kUbzeCAl

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 16, 2019

Simon Hart @Simonhartmp has been appointed Secretary of State for Wales @UKGovWales pic.twitter.com/4QNnQTURYp

— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) December 16, 2019

He replaces Alun Cairns, who resigned from cabinet before the election after an aide sabotaged a rape trial.

Mr Hart, who faced criticism for having the largest expenses claims of any Welsh MP for first class rail tickets, was promoted to Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office in July.

The new role will be the first time he has entered cabinet.

Prime Minister Mr Johnson is also expected to make announcements about a new Minister of State for Environment and International Development shortly.

However, there have been suggestions that the International Development department could be merged with the Foreign Office.

The mini-reshuffle follows the departure of Zac Goldsmith, who previously held the environment and international development position, but lost his Richmond Park seat to a Liberal Democrat.

Ms Morgan has been made a life peer and will keep the position she began in July, Downing Street said.

She has held various positions in cabinet since becoming an MP in 2010, including Education Secretary.

Mr Johnson is expected to carry out a wider re-shuffle of his top team in February, with reports that up to a third of his top team could go.

More to follow.