Westminster bloodbath as Michael Gove, Nicky Morgan and John Whittingdale sacked by Theresa May
Prime Minister Theresa May is taking no prisoners as she makes a slew of high-profile sackings, marking a massive political shift in the new government.
After a string of cabinet placements last night, May started the morning by sacking pro-Brexit campaigner and former justice secretary Michael Gove.
Gove had campaigned alongside Boris Johnson to leave the EU, and pledged to run his campaign for leadership, before launching his own leadership bid.
Theresa May, the new prime minister, sacked Gove this morning.
Gove said: "It's been an enormous privilege to serve for the last six years. Best of luck to the new government."
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He was knocked out after the second round of voting by MPs in the leadership race. It is widely thought he betrayed Johnson at the last minute for his own chances, a move that backfired when he couldn't find support from fellow MPs.
Gove is a self-professed reformer of public services, proven from his time running the education department and taking on the justice brief. Nick Boles, his campaign manager, yesterday announced he would support May from the backbenches.
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Nicky Morgan, who supported Gove had the education brief, today said that she was "disappointed not to be continuing as education secretary and minister for women and equalities – two wonderful roles it's been a privilege to hold". She has also been sacked.
Meanwhile, John Whittingdale said that it was a privilege to serve as culture secretary, wishing his successor every success.
Oliver Letwin, who was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, has also left his post.
And Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers has declared that while she was offered a government job, "it was not one I felt I could take on".
Former leadership contender Stephen Crabb has also resigned from the frontbench, stating it was in his family's best interests. He was Wales secretary before becoming work and pensions secretary after Iain Duncan Smith resigned.