Amber Rudd makes swift return to cabinet as May tries to steady nerves

Amber Rudd has returned to cabinet as Work and Pensions Secretary. The former home secretary has been appointed to the brief after Esther McVey resigned on Thursday over the Prime Minister’s proposed Brexit deal.

Rudd’s appointment should help to calm nerves and steady the ship as No.10 try and find some calm following Thursday’s turmoil. Rudd is well liked across the party – and when she resigned over the Windrush scandal in April, many of her colleagues – including figures in No.10 – urged her to rethink her decision and stay on. It’s good timing for Rudd’s return as earlier this month an inquiry into the events leading up to her resignation concluded that she was let down by her own officials. Rudd has also been savvy and kept her powder dry since leaving government – positioning herself as an ally to May.

That’s not to say the appointment is without problems. Rudd is a vocal Remain-er and May’s Brexit cabinet balance looks in trouble.