Liz Truss to make major UK government changes if she becomes PM

Chancellor, foreign secretary and home secretary among the leading positions set to have new faces

Here 'The National' looks through possible new appointments in the UK cabinet. Kwasi Kwarteng may be the new Chancellor of the Exchequer. Reuters

James Cleverly could be foreign secretary. PA

Suella Braverman, possibly the new home secretary. Reuters

Tom Tugendhat, seen here alongside Liz Truss as she campaigns to be the new leader of the Conservative party. PA

Kemi Badenoch. Getty Images

Therese Coffey. Reuters

Lord Frost. PA

Iain Duncan Smith. PA

Chloe Smith. PA

Ranil Jayawardena. Alamy

Sir John Redwood. Getty Images

Britain will be governed by a tranche of new figures if Liz Truss becomes the new prime minister, The National can disclose.

Up to nine leading Cabinet members who are Rishi Sunak supporters will likely be out of government when, as expected, Ms Truss wins the Conservative Party leadership contest on Monday.

The three top posts will almost certainly go to Kwasi Kwarteng as chancellor, James Cleverly as foreign secretary and Suella Braverman as home secretary.

Several new faces will also appear in the 28 or so ministers who sit around Downing Street’s Cabinet table deciding how to govern Britain.

Ministers from almost every department will soon be involved in tackling the energy crisis that will dominate the early months of a likely Truss premiership.

Candidates who took part in the early rounds of the leadership race, such as Penny Mordaunt, Tom Tugendhat and Kemi Badenoch, are likely to be rewarded with government posts.

To avoid the in-fighting that cost Boris Johnson his job and to restore the Conservatives' reputation, Ms Truss is likely to carefully choose ministers from across several factions for a more united government.

Chancellor

With Britain on the cusp of severe economic challenges, the Treasury will be under immense pressure to provide some form of relief to households facing annual energy bills that will soon exceed £3,500 ($4,100).

That task will likely fall to Mr Kwarteng, who will be promoted from Business Secretary to Chancellor of the Exchequer, the second most important job in government.

As a result, the Treasury will be fully economically aligned with Downing Street, with both Mr Kwarteng and Ms Truss strong free marketeers. This was expressed in the book Britannia Unchained they co-authored in 2012 to argue for lower taxes and less regulation. Mr Kwarteng also shares Ms Truss’ circumspection of windfall taxes on energy firms.

Mr Kwarteng, whose parents were migrants from Ghana, is well regarded as a highly intelligent operator. He won a King's Scholarship to the renowned UK school Eton and then achieved a first-class degree at Cambridge University.

Politicians set to miss out on a place in a new UK cabinet - in pictures

Here 'The National' looks through politicians set to miss out on a place in the next UK cabinet. Britain's current Justice Secretary and deputy Prime Minister, Dominic Raab. Getty Images

Current Home Secretary Priti Patel. PA

Grant Shapps, currently serving as Transport Secretary. PA

Michael Gove. PA

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer and Tory leadership candidate Rishi Sunak. EPA

George Eustice. AFP

Steve Barclay. Reuters

Mark Spencer. PA

Johnny Mercer. PA

Those intellectual attributes will undergo a forensic examination through an emergency budget expected in the autumn.

In that, he will likely be assisted by John Redwood, who could make an astonishing return to government after 27 years on the back benches. He is set to become either economic secretary or financial secretary to the Treasury, the number three in the department.

They could well be joined by right-wing loyalist Jacob Rees-Mogg, currently the minister for Brexit opportunities, as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, second to the Chancellor.

Foreign Office

With Ms Truss vacating her post as Foreign Secretary, it is understood that her replacement will be former Middle East minister James Cleverly, who served as her deputy in the department.

She is known to rate Mr Cleverly highly, having seen his work as Minister for State for Europe. This included a leading role dealing with the Ukraine war, following his promotion from the Middle East post last year.

He is acutely aware of the Russia aggression that will probably be his main focus for at least the next year. But his Middle East experience will also give him good grounds to focus on a trade deal with GCC countries.

Mr Cleverly, who will also oversee MI6 as Foreign Secretary, brings solid military experience to the post. He served in the army reserves for 20 years and attained the rank of lieutenant colonel.

British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss is one of the candidates in the race to replace Boris Johnson as British Prime Minister. Bloomberg

Boris Johnson and Liz Truss arrive for an extraordinary summit at Nato Headquarters in Brussels, in March this year. AFP

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Liz Truss arrive for talks in Moscow in February. AP

Liz Truss in Red Square during a visit to Moscow in February. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

Liz Truss with Marise Payne, the Australian Minister of Foreign Affairs, at Government House in Sydney, Australia, in January. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

Liz Truss hosts Vice President of the European Commission Maros Sefcovic at Chevening House in January to discuss the Northern Ireland protocol. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

Liz Truss visits British troops in Estonia as they operate alongside other Nato troops in Tapa in November 2021. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

Liz Truss walks through the old town in Tallinn, Estonia, in November 2021. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

Ms Truss at the Red Fort in New Delhi during a trip to India in October 2021. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

The British foreign secretary on the Plaza de la Constitucion in Mexico City, during a trip to Mexico in September 2021. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

Liz Truss with Antony Blinken, the United States secretary of state, in New York, September 2021. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

Liz Truss on a morning jog over Brooklyn Bridge in New York in September 2021. Simon Dawson / No10 Downing Street

When she was environmental minister, Ms Truss visited the bridge over the River Wharfe in Tadcaster, which collapsed after heavy flooding in December 2015. Getty Images

Addressing the Conservative party conference in Birmingham in 2014 when she was secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs. Getty Images

Another politician with military experience likely to join him is Mr Tugendhat. He is tipped to become a minister in the Foreign Office, with his time as chairman of the foreign affairs committee giving him an excellent insight into Britain’s overseas challenges.

Mr Tugendhat came fifth in the parliamentary poll, giving him greater public prominence. Some commentators also said he performed well in the television debates, suggesting that a senior Cabinet post could materialise if he proves competent in his first government post.

He is from the “One Nation’ Tories, on the more liberal wing of the party, that will allow Ms Truss to have greater appeal among her MPs. There is also a suggestion he could receive the Security Minister post in the Home Office.

Home Office

Famous for being the graveyard of many politicians, the Home Office will almost certainly have a new chief with Suella Braverman taking over from Priti Patel.

As Attorney General, Ms Braverman will be well versed in the legal details that the new prime minister will hope enable her to overcome the continued illegal immigrant issue.

Ms Braverman, the daughter of Kenyan and Mauritian immigrants, will have to deal with the derailed policy of deporting failed asylum seekers to Rwanda.

As Attorney General, Ms Braverman will be well versed in the legal details that the new prime minister will hope enable her to overcome the continued illegal immigrant issue. PA

Her success will also be measured on whether that policy and any others she introduces clamps down on the number of migrants making the small boat crossings of the English Channel.

An ardent Brexiteer, Ms Braverman carries support among right-wingers and came a respectable sixth in the leadership contest before giving her full support to Ms Truss.

The Home Office is also likely to see a number of new faces who the new PM will want to assess to see if they are able to handle challenging portfolios.

Defence

One question that will never now be answered is that if Ben Wallace had decided to enter the leadership contest, would he have become prime minister on Tuesday?

In July, he led the polls among the Tory membership but instead chose to concentrate on the task of combating Russia in Ukraine as Defence Secretary, rather than deserting his post in pursuit of power.

That cemented the former soldier’s reputation for devotion to Britain’s security and will ensure that he almost certainly remains in his current post. He could even be further rewarded with the additional post of deputy prime minister, a position that has proven transferable among Cabinet ministers.

British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace speaks after co-hosting a donor conference at Christiansborg in Copenhagen. AFP

While a strong Mr Johnson loyalist, Mr Wallace shares Ms Truss’ antipathy for Russia and her desire to increase defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP.

He could well be joined in the Ministry of Defence by former defence secretary Penny Mordaunt, who just missed out to Ms Truss in reaching the final pair in the leadership contest.

Currently a trade minister, Ms Mordaunt could be given a role as Mr Wallace’s deputy or another senior security post in Cabinet.

Incoming

Integral to any prime minister’s success is the ability of the ministers they appoint to undertake government work.

Ms Truss values competence highly and on that basis, is likely to promote Ms Badenoch, the daughter of Nigerian parents who proved so formidable during the leadership contest and could be given either transport or education.

Ms Truss’ friend and arch loyalist Therese Coffey is set to be given the task of restoring the heavily frayed internal discipline as Chief Whip.

Kemi Badenoch taking part in Britain's Next Prime Minister: The ITV Debate, a head-to-head debate between Conservative Party leadership candidates in July. PA

Former party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith is another veteran certain to be given a weighty role along with Lord David Frost, the former chief Brexit negotiator.

Nadhim Zahawi’s brief tenure as chancellor will end with him possibly being given the health secretary post.

Nadine Dorries, a fervent Boris Johnson supporter, will probably remain as chief BBC-basher as culture secretary, although could move to the Lords.

Other new faces in Cabinet are likely to be Ranil Jayawardena, Chloe Smith and Simon Clarke.

Outgoing

Victory for Ms Truss will mean defeat for Mr Sunak and his many senior government supporters who know that there will be no place for them in her government.

Michael Gove has already said he is leaving frontline politics while the fate of hardline Home Secretary Priti Patel is also likely to be confirmed. They will likely be joined by Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab, George Eustice, Steve Barclay, Mark Spencer and Johnny Mercer.

Ms Truss will hope that they chose to avoid the plotting that undid Mr Johnson and allow her to lead both a united party through one of Britain’s most challenging periods.

UK Conservatives on the leadership campaign trail — in pictures

Candidates Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings at Wembley Arena, London. This was the final hustings attended by Tory Party members who will vote for the new leader and next prime minister. EPA

Liz Truss addresses Conservative Party members at Wembley Arena. AP

Mr Sunak puts forward his case to be leader while speaking at Wembley Arena. Bloomberg

Mr Sunak visits his family's old business, Bassett Pharmacy in Southampton, while on the campaign trail. Reuters

Ms Truss speaks to staff at Condimentum Ltd at the Food Enterprise Park in Norwich. Getty Images

A Rishi Sunak supporter at a hustings event in Norfolk. PA

Mr Sunak greets people at a leadership hustings in Manchester. Bloomberg

Ms Truss poses for a selfie with a supporter as she arrives for the event in Manchester. Getty

Rishi Sunak looks through the sights of an anti-tank missile launcher, supplied to Ukraine, during a visit to the Thales Defence System plant in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP

Liz Truss at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event in Belfast. Getty

Liz Truss meets supporters before a hustings in Perth, Scotland. Getty

Rishi Sunak speaks during a campaign visit to Cluny Castle in Inverurie, Scotland. Getty

Police hold back protesters outside Perth Concert Hall, Scotland, where Conservative leadership candidates Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak were speaking. PA

A mural showing the two leadership contestants appears on a wall in Belfast, Northern Ireland. AP

Rishi Sunak during a visit to St John's Wood Synagogue, north London. PA

Liz Truss at the Conservative Party leadership election hustings in Cheltenham. EPA

Rishi Sunak during a hustings event in Cheltenham. Reuters

Liz Truss speaks to scientists during a campaign visit to a life sciences laboratory at Alderley Park in Manchester. PA

Rishi Sunak during a campaign hustings in Darlington, England. Bloomberg

Liz Truss meets party members before she speaks at the Darlington campaign hustings. Getty

Rishi Sunak arrives for the Darlington hustings. Getty

Liz Truss plays pool during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters

Rishi Sunak looks at a book with Teddy Openshaw, 4, as his father, Henry, looks on after a Conservative leadership campaign event in Ribble Valley, Lancashire, England. Getty

Liz Truss plays table tennis with former Conservative party leader Iain Duncan Smith during a visit to the Onside Future Youth Zone in London. Reuters

Liz Truss with supporters at a campaign event in Solihull, England. Reuters

Rishi Sunak attends a campaign event held by his party in Bexhill, England. Reuters

A protester is removed as Ms Truss speaks during the Conservative Party leadership hustings in Eastbourne. Bloomberg

Mr Sunak speaks at an event in Edinburgh. PA

Ms Truss leaves the hall in Exeter, south-west England, after her speech to a Conservative Party membership hustings. Getty

Mr Sunak speaks at the University of Exeter in south-west England. AP

A supporter of Ms Truss at a Conservative Party hustings in Exeter, south-west England. Getty

Ms Truss at a hustings event at the Pavilion conference centre at Elland Road in Leeds. PA

Mr Sunak in Salisbury watching a screening of the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final between England and Germany at Wembley stadium. England won 2-1 in extra time. PA

Ms Truss before the Uefa Women's Euro 2022 final at Wembley stadium in London. AFP

Mr Sunak meets Tory members at Fontwell Park Racecourse. Reuters

Ms Truss at an event in Dereham, Norfolk. AFP

Mr Sunak in Ropley, near Winchester, Hampshire. PA

Ms Truss speaks as Conservative Member of Parliament Tom Tugendhat looks on at a Conservative Party leadership campaign event at Biggin Hill Airport. Getty

Ms Truss on the campaign trail in Woodford Green, on the outskirts of London. Reuters

Mr Sunak at a Conservative Party hustings event in Leeds. AFP

Ms Truss speaks at the hustings event in Leeds. AFP

Sunak and Truss-themed souvenirs at a stand during the Leeds hustings event. Reuters

Ms Truss, and her mother, Patricia, arrive for the hustings event. Getty

Ms Truss poses with supporters in Morley, England. Getty

Mr Sunak delivers a speech during a campaign event in Newmarket. AFP

Ms Truss and Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, during a visit to a broadband interchange company in Leeds. PA

Mr Sunak answers questions as he takes part in the hustings in Leeds. AFP

Ms Truss speaks at an event at a private house with members of the Conservative Party in Woodford Green. PA

Ms Truss and Mr Sunak pose for a picture before a BBC leadership debate at Victoria Hall in Hanley. Getty

Ms Truss addresses Mr Sunak during the televised debate. Getty

Mr Sunak, with daughters Krishna and Anushka, and wife Akshata Murthy, during a visit to Vaculug tyre specialists at Gonerby Hill Foot, Grantham. PA

Ms Truss speaks to people while campaigning in Marden. Getty

Ms Truss celebrates after being named, along with Mr Sunak, one of the final two candidates in the race to become the UK's next prime minister. PA

Mr Sunak outside his campaign office in central London. EPA

Ms Truss outside Downing Street in London. Reuters

Rishi Sunak meets Conservative Party members and activists, in Teesport, Redcar. Reuters

Conservative leadership candidates Mr Sunak, Ms Truss, Kemi Badenoch, presenter Julie Etchingham, Tom Tugendhat and Penny Mordaunt during 'Britain's Next Prime Minister: The ITV Debate' in London. EPA

Ms Badenoch arrives at Here East studios in Stratford, east London, before a live television debate. PA

Mr Sunak arrives at a London event to launch his campaign to be the next Conservative Party leader and UK prime minister. Reuters

Mr Tugendhat appears on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA

Ms Badenoch, Ms Mordaunt, Mr Sunak, Ms Truss and Mr Tugendhat before the live television debate. PA

Ms Mordaunt arrives for the launch of her Conservative leadership campaign at the Cinnamon Club in Westminster. PA

Ms Truss speaks at the launch event for her campaign to become the next leader of the Tory Party and Britain's prime minister, in London. EPA

Chancellor of the Exchequer Nadhim Zahawi, one of the candidates who has been knocked out of the race, giving a speech at the Churchill War Rooms. PA

Former leadership candidate Jeremy Hunt appearing on the BBC One current affairs programme, 'Sunday Morning'. PA

Sajid Javid attending the launch of his campaign to be Conservative Party leader and prime minister, at the Cinnamon Club in London. He has since been knocked out of the contest. PA

Rehman Chishti is interviewed after announcing his bid to become the next prime minister. Mr Chishti is no longer in the race. Getty

Mr Tugendhat speaking at the launch of his campaign. PA

Culture Secretary Nadine Dorries and Conservative MP Iain Duncan Smith arrive for the Truss campaign launch event. Getty

Former leadership candidate Attorney General Suella Braverman at the Churchill War Rooms in central London. PA

Supporters of Mr Sunak wait for his arrival ahead of the campaign launch. Bloomberg

Mr Tugendhat makes a speech at the launch of his campaign. PA

Mr Javid mops his brow while launching his campaign. Getty

Ms Truss leaves for work after her announcement that she would be running for the leadership of the Conservative Party. Getty