Boris Johnson news: New PM's Brexit plans instantly rejected by EU, as Tory minister says he is in a 'no-deal' cabinet

Follow how the day in Westminster unfolded

Boris Johnson: We will not nominate a UK commissioner for the new commission taking office in Brussels

Boris Johnson has been accused of pandering to the hard-right, as he convened his cabinet and faced MPs in the Commons for the first time as prime minister.

After a brutal reshuffle – clearing out the vast majority of Theresa May‘s ministers – it became clear the new prime minister had built his new government around the team that delivered the Brexit result in 2016.

Some of the ministerial appointments in Mr Johnson’s new administration were met with dismay, including the promotion of Priti Patel to the Home Office.

The prime minister also used the reshuffle at minister of state level to promote allies and clear out MPs who oppose his stance on Brexit.

The first changes announced included Nigel Adams, who returns to government after resigning over Ms May's Brexit tactics.

He has been a loyal supporter of Mr Johnson and was rewarded with a role at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Lucy Frazer moves from solicitor general to the Ministry of Justice.

Kit Malthouse, who was Mr Johnson's deputy mayor for policing during their time in London's City Hall, has become a Home Office minister.

Conor Burns has been appointed a minister at the Department for International Trade.

Nick Gibb retains his role at the Department for Education and Jesse Norman stays as financial secretary to the Treasury.

Follow how the day in Westminster unfolded:

Key Points

• Boris Johnson pledges to abolish backstop and vows to turbocharge no-deal plans
• ... but EU dismisses plan as 'of course unacceptable'
• New PM fills team with Vote Leave aides as he ruthlessly sacks May allies
• Johnson accused of pandering to hard-right over appointment of Priti Patel
• ... as he meets his cabinet for the first time
• Liberal Democrats table symbolic no confidence motion in Johnson

[25 July 2019 20:14 · Samuel Osborne]

Health minister Stephen Hammond, an opponent of a no-deal Brexit, has indicated is leaving the government.

As Mr Johnson began appointing ministers of state, Mr Hammond thanked officials and NHS staff, saying: "It has been a privilege to serve as minister for health.

"I'm proud to have contributed to the NHS long term plan."

He added: "I will support any government efforts to secure a good deal with the EU, and I remain absolutely opposed to no deal."

[25 July 2019 20:31 · Samuel Osborne]

Senior Brexiteer Steve Baker has said he had turned down a ministerial job.

The former junior Brexit minister said he could not "repeat my experience of powerlessness" he had felt.

But he added that he had "total confidence" in Mr Johnson to leave the EU by 31 October, warning "disaster awaits otherwise".

[25 July 2019 20:44 · Samuel Osborne]

Christopher Pincher has been appointed minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mark Lancaster remains a minister of state at the Ministry of Defence.