Cabinet reshuffles can leave the government refreshed, or nursing a major headache

Departures as dramatic as Sajid Javid’s are few and far between but the ramifications of such changes can last a long time, writes Andrew Woodcock

Friday 14 February 2020 02:23 GMT
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Sajid Javid, left, and his successor Rishi Sunak
Sajid Javid, left, and his successor Rishi Sunak

Reshuffle day is always a moment of high excitement for the press corps of Westminster, and never more so than when something goes wrong.

In theory, it is the moment of maximum power for the prime minister. He is able to exercise patronage to promote favourites, get rid of nuisances and fine-tune the direction and style of the government.

In reality, good old-fashioned egos and ambitions often get in the way and it is relatively rare for the plan confidently finalised by No 10 on the eve of the reshuffle to survive in that shape to the end of the day.

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