Sunak’s new cabinet meets, as Tory chair says Esther McVey will not be minister for ‘anti-woke’ – UK politics live
Richard Holden Denies Esther McVey As 'anti-woke' Minister
Hello! The reshuffle that happened yesterday was even more shocking than anticipated. This was mainly because David Cameron made a comeback, but it also indicates that Rishi Sunak has decided to shift his focus towards leading as a moderate Conservative rather than trying to position himself as a revolutionary, transformative candidate. It seems like there has been a reversal in their approach to "red wall" Toryism.
The red wallers got one thing that they wanted. Despite the fact that Suella Braverman, who was extremely right-leaning, was not included, there was another right-leaning individual who is popular with the GB News viewers (she hosts a show on the network) that made the cut. Esther McVey, who was born in Liverpool and formerly held the position of work and pensions secretary, has now been appointed a minister in the Cabinet Office. As per a briefing provided to the Sun newspaper, she will be responsible for tackling the problem of "wokery" in her role as the "common sense tsar".
However, the question remains whether or not Esther McVey will indeed be taking on the role of Suella Braverman in the Conservative party. During his interviews this morning, Richard Holden, who is now the party chairman for the Conservatives, seemed to confirm that McVey would be taking on the role. When asked about McVey's job, Holden stated, "What Suella...what Esther is going to be doing...." The host, Nick Robinson, noted this as a Freudian slip.
Holden seemed hesitant to label McVey as a practical minister who will challenge the concept of being woke. During an interview with Times Radio, Holden was asked if McVey would be examining policies that align with woke culture. Holden responded by saying that all policies will be taken under consideration. Furthermore, when it was suggested to him that McVey was appointed to the government to represent those who are against woke culture, Holden had this to say:
The purpose of that is not to depict. I am familiar with Esther as well as her spouse Philip. Other Members of Parliament have varied positions on different issues, and they do as well. It wouldn't be just to confine individuals to restricted categories.
During the Today programme, Robinson inquired about the role of being minister for common sense. In response, Holden discussed the importance of allowing freedom of expression in educational institutions, while also emphasizing that the Conservative party holds a diverse range of beliefs and opinions, but all work towards a shared objective.
The reported designation of McVey as a "common sense tsar" was apparently aimed at attracting conservatives. However, in another indication that the strategy may not have been successful, Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, a previous business secretary and co-host on GB News, dismissed the title given to McVey by the Sun as "ridiculous". Rees-Mogg stated on Times Radio:
I'm happy that Esther has come back because she's very skilled and can present the Conservative viewpoints very nicely. I don't think there should be a minister for "woke" and I'm disappointed that Jeremy Quin, a top-quality cabinet member, has left and been replaced with someone with a silly job title. This decision appears foolish and not serious. However, Esther is excellent, and it's great to have her as part of the cabinet.
In my opinion, giving government positions ridiculous titles is a practice that is commonly associated with Blairism. It is not a proper use of resources and has no significant impact on the public. This kind of action is only superficial and does not genuinely impress anyone.
Rees-Mogg was previously in charge of an area called "Brexit opportunities and government efficiency". However, some people didn't believe those ideas existed, so the title he held was quite controversial.
This is the schedule for today.
At 9:30 in the morning, Rishi Sunak leads the cabinet meeting.
At ten in the morning, Amanda Pritchard, the leader of NHS England, presents information to the health committee of the House of Commons.
At 11 o'clock in the morning, a report was released by the Growth Commission, established under the leadership of Liz Truss. This report recommends implementing free-market policies that are believed to encourage economic growth.
At 11:30 in the morning, a press conference is held at Downing Street.
At 11:30 in the morning, Jeremy Hunt, who is the chancellor, answers questions that are asked in the Commons.
Following 12:30 in the afternoon, Members of Parliament commence deliberations on the monarch's speech, with particular attention devoted to the subject of the economy.
If you need to get in touch with me, please use the "send us a message" function that you can find just beneath the author's name on the left side of the screen. This feature is specifically for those who wish to contact me directly. I consider it quite helpful when people message me to let me know about any errors they come across, such as typos - no error is too minor to correct. Additionally, I often find your inquiries quite intriguing. Although I may not be able to respond to each and every message I receive, I will do my best to reply to as many as possible either in the comment section below, privately via email (if that is more appropriate), or in another blog post if it is a subject of broad interest.
"Welsh Gov Seeks Fairer Council Tax For Low-value Homes"
The Welsh government has proposed changes to make council tax fairer for those living in lower value properties. As a result, up to 450,000 homes in Wales may see an increase in their council tax bills.
The ruling Labour government has initiated a discussion on how to revamp the system, but has clarified that they won't be amping up the total council tax collection, which stands at approximately £2.4 billion annually.
According to two of their suggestions, the cost of bills will increase for 30% of the nation's 1.5 million households, while it will remain stable or decrease for the remainder.
Residences will undergo a revaluation process after a duration of 20 years. It is likely that fresh categories will be established. The previous revalorization in Wales occurred in 2003. In Scotland and England, tax payments are still calculated based on residence value from 1991.
The modifications have been implemented as a component of the teamwork agreement between the governing Labour party and Plaid Cymru. According to the Welsh administration:
The present methodology is two decades old and lacks fairness. It discriminates against individuals who are residing in residences under the lowest tier of council tax by imposing a comparatively exorbitant sum of council tax with regards to the value of their homes. Meanwhile, individuals living in homes with a higher value pay less tax in proportion to their dwelling.
Sam Rowlands, the Welsh Conservative shadow minister for local government, declared that the government was secretly planning to raise council tax on individuals who work tirelessly.
William Hague, who was once the leader of the Conservative Party and served as the UK's foreign secretary, has denied any role in convincing Rishi Sunak to appoint David Cameron as foreign secretary. During an interview with Times Radio, he clarified this matter.
I'm in favor of David Cameron returning to the government, and I was really excited about the possibility. I got wind of it a few days ago and even had the chance to chat with David Cameron about my thoughts on foreign affairs and the Foreign Office. However, let me clarify that the suggestion wasn't originally mine.
You may have come across statements implying that I created something or had the idea for it. However, that is not true.
I have a good acquaintance with Rishi Sunak and David Cameron, however, in the world of politics, situations can often be less complex than they appear. Sometimes, a casual conversation can lead to a decision being made without much fuss. For instance, someone might ask another person to carry out a task and they might agree to it without any hesitation.
No third party intervention was required as they resolved the matter on their own. Therefore, the scenario played out in such a way.
Sunak Escapes Tory Paper Backlash For Firing Suella Braverman
Rishi Sunak made a bold move by choosing to dismiss Suella Braverman. Her strict and prejudiced views on immigration had gained her a significant following, not just among conservative politicians but also among many of the UK's press outlets, especially the Daily Mail. It was possible that these newspapers would have supported her and spoken out on her behalf this morning.
Based on their written opinions, it seems like they are generally on board with Sunak. They haven't switched sides against him - at least not as of today.
In the editorial piece of the Daily Mail, they express their doubt towards David Cameron's appointment. They believe that loyal Tories may not see him as the solution to the current issues in No. 10. Meanwhile, they praise Braverman for standing up for the group of people who are concerned about Britain's current situation. However, the Daily Mail continues their scepticism towards the appointment.
It's a clever move to transfer James Cleverly to the role of Home Secretary. Similarly, appointing Esther McVey as the 'Common Sense Tsar' to monitor the anti-woke matter is a wise decision.
We'll just have to wait and see if this will satisfy the conservative wing. However, any member of parliament who believes that the solution is to send even more letters of no-confidence - and the goal of removing yet another leader - is not thinking clearly.
Currently, Mr Sunak is the most promising and sole option for the party to defeat Labour.
Out of the four newspapers that support the Tory party the most, the Daily Telegraph appears to be the least satisfied. They have expressed their opinion that Sunak has formed a "brave new group" and have not directly criticized the reshuffling. However, they have mentioned that Sunak needs to demonstrate that Braverman's proposals have not been disregarded. In their editorial statement, they have emphasized this idea.
In that year, his fate was sealed when he made a commitment to hold a referendum on the EU, which was added to the Conservative party's manifesto, partly to counter a rising populist challenge from Ukip. Now, Mr. Sunak faces a comparable dilemma as concerns about immigration, both legal and illegal, as well as extremism, are on the rise causing increasing anxiety among the public. Additionally, the recent demonstrations in support of Palestine and the surge of anti-Semitic sentiment have intensified these apprehensions.
Many people shared similar worries to Mrs. Braverman, and those who share her perspective may feel frustrated that she was removed. They may perceive this decision as an attempt to satisfy the Left, which could cause even more disagreement within the Conservative party.
It is essential for Mr Sunak to demonstrate that he is not neglecting many of the issues she championed but made little progress on. Lord Cameron is an individual who is committed to pursuing these priorities and his example should be emulated.
Out of all the newspapers, The Daily Express is the one that supports Braverman the most in its news articles. However, their editorial about the reshuffle states that Braverman was perceived as not having enough diplomatic skill, and that David Cameron coming back could ultimately be a strategic decision.
According to The Sun’s editorial, Braverman may have represented the views of many people, but she was regarded as uncontrollable and unpredictable.
During David Cameron's time as prime minister, William Hague held the position of foreign secretary and he has a tight relationship with Rishi Sunak, who took over as MP for Richmond in Yorkshire. Hague has expressed his enthusiasm for Cameron's reentry into politics in his recent Times column.
During his 11-year tenure as leader of the party, Cameron's significant accomplishment, which is often forgotten amidst the Brexit chaos, was to broaden the Conservative party's support base. He ensured that a party that prioritized financial conservatism also embraced social liberalism and internationalism. This was achieved through promoting the advancement of women in politics, advocating for same-sex marriage, expanding development aid, and attracting ethnically diverse British leaders to the party. Rishi Sunak is a prime example of this success.
Cameron's return to the spotlight serves as a reminder that the upcoming cabinet is firmly center-right, with their focus on reducing taxes in a financially responsible manner, managing immigration without divisive language, and working to improve relationships with Europe without the use of nationalist sentiments. This is what Sunak has been striving towards, despite receiving mixed messages from past Prime Ministers and some members of his own cabinet. After this reshuffle, the Conservative party will undoubtedly be recognized by some of their formerly disillusioned supporters.
Graham Russell is summarizing how the newspapers have reported on the recent changes in government positions, as well as the comeback of David Cameron.
There's been a recent announcement from Downing Street about some fresh appointments to the whips' office. Specifically, the government has put in place Stuart Anderson, Dame Amanda Milling, Joy Morrissey, and Mike Wood as whips. Meanwhile, they've also brought on Aaron Bell, Mark Fletcher, Mark Jenkinson, and Suzanne Webb as assistant whips, which are less senior positions.
Check out these photos of several newly appointed government officials who arrived at the cabinet meeting today.
It appears that the reshuffling of positions is still ongoing. Julie Marson, who serves as the Member of Parliament for Hertford and Stortford, has declared that she'll be resigning from her role as a whip, owing to personal circumstances.
I feel privileged and content for the opportunity to be a whip for the government, however, I have decided to step down and resume my position in the backbenches. This decision was made on a personal level.
I am excited to keep representing and assisting my area's residents as a member of parliament who is not part of the government's front row. pic.twitter.com/94V1Y4NvjN
Sunak's New Cabinet: Strong And United Team On Their Debut
During their first gathering at Number 10, Rishi Sunak labeled his newly-formed cabinet as a "powerful and cooperative group".
Starting off the gathering, Sunak stated:
Greetings to those who are joining the cabinet for the first time, as well as those who have previously been a part of it.
We have a goal to make critical choices that will positively impact our nation for years to come. With our solidarity and determination, we will achieve this for the benefit of all.
Sunak pointed out that this week held significant events such as the release of the inflation figures and the Rwanda ruling by the supreme court, both expected tomorrow. Additionally, the chancellor's autumn statement is scheduled for next Wednesday, making it an essential week.
I am certain that we can show the entire nation that we are moving forward with the goals I established earlier in the year. These objectives include decreasing inflation by half, boosting the economy, decreasing debt, shortening waiting lists, and ceasing the influx of illegal immigrants by boat.
According to him, they had aspirations beyond that. He stated that the cabinet would take courageous and transformative steps, and concluded by stating:
Observing this gathering, I am confident that we possess a dynamic and passionate group that will successfully accomplish what needs to be done for our nation. Therefore, it's time to begin working.
Richard Holden, The New Tory Chair, Denies Esther McVey's Appointment As 'anti-woke' Minister
Hello, everyone. The reshuffle that took place yesterday was quite unexpected, partly due to the unexpected return of David Cameron. It also implies that Rishi Sunak has decided to govern more like a mainstream, centrist Conservative. He seems to have backed away from presenting himself as a radical, “change” candidate, and has also pulled back from the idea of “Red Wall” Toryism.
In the recent political news, there seems to be a slight appeasement towards those holding red waller ideologies. While Suella Braverman, an extreme rightwinger, has been left out, another individual who represents such beliefs and is popular among GB News viewers, Esther McVey, has been given a high-ranking position as a Cabinet Office minister. Previously serving as the work and pensions secretary and being of Liverpool origin, McVey has been chosen to become the "common sense tsar" with a focus on combatting wokery, according to information shared with the Sun newspaper.
Will it happen? During a series of interviews this morning, Richard Holden, who is the newly appointed chairman of the Conservative party, seemed to suggest that Esther McVey has taken over from Suella Braverman. In response to a question about McVey's role, Holden said, "What Suella ... what Esther is going to be doing...". The presenter, Nick Robinson, interpreted this as a slip of the tongue.
Holden didn't want to label McVey as a minister who will fight against "wokeism". During an interview with Times Radio, Holden was asked if McVey would be reviewing policies considered "woke". Holden said that everyone will assess policies thoroughly. When asked if McVey was in the government to represent "anti-woke opinion", Holden responded:
The blog section can be paraphrased as follows: The purpose of Esther's presence is not to symbolize any particular viewpoint. I am acquainted with Esther and her spouse, Philip Davies, and I know that they, like many MPs, hold differing perspectives on various issues. Categorizing individuals into narrow groups is unjust, in my opinion.
During the Today programme, Robinson inquired about the role of the minister for common sense, prompting Holden to discuss the importance of free expression in academic institutions. However, the parliament member also highlighted the encompassing nature of the Conservative party, emphasizing their shared aspirations.
The announcement that McVey would be made a "common sense tsar" was clearly geared towards pleasing conservatives, but it seems that the plan may not have succeeded, as fellow GB News host Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg dismissed the label as "ridiculous". Speaking to Times Radio, the former business secretary indicated that the move may have missed the mark.
I am pleased to see Esther coming back as I believe she is extremely skilled and effective in presenting the beliefs of the Tory party. In my opinion, having a minister solely dedicated to addressing "woke" issues is nonsensical and I believe it is unfortunate that an excellent politician like Jeremy Quin, who previously served in the Cabinet Office, has departed from the government. Instead, they hired someone with a trivial title, which in my view is a ridiculous move and shows a lack of seriousness. Nevertheless, Esther is an exceptional individual and having her serve in the cabinet is definitely a positive development.
In my opinion, giving government officials amusing titles is a practice commonly associated with the policies of Tony Blair. However, this is not a relevant concern for the government to be focusing on. It is a trivial and insincere gesture that is unlikely to have any significant impact or impress anyone.
At one point in time, Rees-Mogg was a minister in charge of "Brexit opportunities and government efficiency". Some people who didn't agree with these ideas thought the title was not a good choice.
This is the schedule for today.
At 9:30am, Rishi Sunak is in charge of leading the cabinet meeting.
At 10am, Amanda Pritchard, the CEO of NHS England, provides testimony to the parliamentary health committee.
At 11 o'clock in the morning, the Growth Commission, which has been established by Liz Truss, releases a document suggesting that implementing free market strategies would generate growth.
At half past eleven in the morning, there is a lobby briefing held by Downing Street.
At half past eleven in the morning, the person in charge of the finances, Jeremy Hunt, participates in a session where Members of Parliament inquire about various matters in the House of Commons.
The discussion regarding the king's speech concerning the economy is set to continue among MPs after 12:30 pm.
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