Michael Gove Replaces Robert Jenrick As Secretary Of State For Housing, Communities And Local Government

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The former Duchy of Lancaster was moved during a Cabinet reshuffle that followed Prime Minister’s Questions today.

Gove will be taking over from Robert Jenrick, who has left government after being demoted to the backbenches.  

He will also be in charge of the government's "levelling up" agenda, as well as the Union brief.

Replacing Gove as Duchy of Lancaster and Minister for the Cabinet Office will be Steve Barclay, who is moving from his current role as Chief Secretary to the Treasury. 

In other reshuffle moves today, Liz Truss has been appointed Foreign Secretary and Dominic Raab has taken up the positions of Justice Secretary, Lord Chancellor and Deputy Prime Minister.

Priti Patel and Rishi Sunak will remain as Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer respectively. 

Responding to Gove's new role, a high-ranking member of staff in the cabinet office told PoliticsHome: "I'm disappointed that Michael Gove has left. The Cabinet Office is overworked and tired and desperately needs long-term vision, which under Gove seemed possible.

"Some colleagues would prefer the Civil Service to run itself rather than have it's steering moved in a totally different direction under a less connected Minister."

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