- May to make fresh start to the year by putting her house in order
Following the Christmas and New Year holiday, the U.K. has had a busy start to the year. After Parliament opened, the U.K. Prime Minister announced a series of changes in her cabinet on Monday. British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland James Brokenshire resigned from the cabinet on Monday citing health issues and upcoming major surgery.
In PM Theresa May's reshuffle, Brandon Lewis will take on the role of the new chairman of the Conservative Party. Lewis has been a Member of Parliament since 2010 and served as a minister since 2014. Most importantly, prior to the EU referendum campaign referendum to decide on the U.K. leaving the EU, he was in the 'remain' camp. He first covered housing as a minister and then became an immigration minister in 2016.
May has been at the center of heavy criticism last year from both the ‘leave’ and ‘remain’ camps, both inside and outside the party. For some, she has not been thorough enough in demonstrating “iron lady” qualities, an attribute to former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s strong-willed nature when May conceded over the U.K.’s exit bill to the EU and extended the leaving process period. For others, she has been unable to achieve at least a transitional deal that could assuage businesses and reduce ongoing uncertainties.
Furthermore, the disastrous party congress, which was interrupted by a man trying to give her a P45 document, got some laughs but also caused embarrassment. Moreover, her leadership has been regularly tested by Foreign Minister Boris Johnson’s criticism and comments.
All in all, last year has not been the best for May. However, she seems to be aware of the consequences of not putting her house in order before Brexit talks resume.
Considering the last election results, each mistake that has been made and will be made in the future has the potential to pave the way for Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn ending up at Number 10. Consequently, May needs to exhibit a strong and winning stance followed by a tightening of her grip at home in the party. She has started to achieve this last month when the U.K. and the European Union reached a significant milestone in their pursuit of a Brexit deal. Its significance is debatable given the lack of details on trading with Europe, but it has at least given assurances on the commitment of both sides to the process.
It is clear that May is aiming to tighten her grip on power by showing that she is still in charge through the cabinet reshuffle. Considering Johnson’s comments last year, which put May in a very tight corner many times, the cabinet reshuffle could be seen as a symbolic importance for Johnson’s future as well.