Jo Johnson has been moved from his job as universities minister following a row over the appointment of Toby Young to the new universities regulator.
Theresa May’s decision to appoint Jo Johnson as a transport minister and minister for London also sets up a potential conflict between him and his brother, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, over the expansion of Heathrow.
Young, a journalist who has also set up free schools, this morning announced he would not take up a position at the Office for Students amid a backlash over past comments about women, LGBT people and the disabled.
Despite his resignation, Jo Johnson continued to defend Young.
Jo Johnson’s precise responsibilities at the Department for Transport have yet to be confirmed by the department, but it is likely he will have responsibility for expanding Heathrow.
Boris Johnson has been a longtime vocal critic of the plan to build another runway at the west London airport.
May’s attempt to refresh her Cabinet yesterday was partially derailed after Justine Greening resigned rather than accept a sideways move and Jeremy Hunt insisted on remaining as health secretary.
Today she is reshuffling the junior ministerial ranks. Brandon Lewis, the new Tory chairman, said the changes at lower levels would be a “breath of fresh air” for the government.
Mark Garnier, who was cleared of wrongdoing after asking his secretary to buy sex toys, lost his job as an international trade minister.
Dominic Raab, who had served as a justice minister and has long been tipped for a promotion, has been handed the high profile housing minister brief.
Rory Stewart, who had served as a joint Foreign Office and development minister, has been made a justice minister.
Alok Sharma, who was housing minister in the wake of the Grenfell fire, has been made employment minister,
Sam Gyimah has replaced Johnson in his old job as universities minister.
Caroline Dineage has been promoted from the department of work and pensions to become a senior health minister.
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