Boris Johnson appoints Frost’s successor

Who is David Frost’s successor as Brexit minister? That’s the question Boris Johnson has answered this evening following Frost’s surprise resignation — with the Foreign Secretary to takeover as the UK’s lead negotiator with the EU in post-Brexit talks. Liz Truss will retain all her Foreign Office responsibilities — with Chris Heaton Harris also to become minister of state for Europe.

So, what does this mean for the government’s direction of travel on the Northern Ireland protocol? There had been reports that Boris Johnson was considering appointing a Brexit ultra like Iain Duncan Smith to the position as a way of keeping his right flank on side. The MPs who make up the group have sounded alarm since Frost’s resignation — sharing concerns with one another that it could lean to a softer position when it comes to the protocol. It doesn’t help that Frost also criticised high taxes, restrictions and net zero.