The news of Damian Green’s ‘resignation’ (some would call it a polite sacking) as First Secretary of State has broadly speaking been accepted as necessary by Conservative MPs. David Davis has valiantly reneged on his pledge to resign from Cabinet in protest if Green was shown the door. Meanwhile, the at times outspoken Andrew Bridgen has busied himself on the airwaves this morning waxing lyrical about the government. What helps May is that Green broke the ministerial code because he made misleading statements – meaning she hasn’t had to make the decision based on a judgment on his alleged actions.
The next question: will May replace Green? It’s a matter up for discussion, with a No 10 source telling reporters travelling with May to Poland today that Green won’t necessarily be replaced. However, this would be a mistake. The Prime Minister brought in Green after the disastrous snap election to try and show her party that she was ready to change and be more open with her colleagues going forward.
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