Esther McVey becomes new Conservative deputy chief whip following Michael Fallon-inspired reshuffle
Tatton MP returns to the Government in reshuffle following Defence Secretary Michael Fallon's shock resignation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Former welfare minister Esther McVey has returned to the government as deputy chief whip following a reshuffle triggered by the resignation of Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.
Ms McVey was ousted from her Wirral West seat in the 2015 election but was returned to Parliament in this year's poll after standing in George Osborne's former Tatton constituency.
Her predecessor in the post, Julian Smith, has been elevated to head the whip's office after Theresa May announced that her top parliamentary enforcer Gavin Williamson would become the new Defence Secretary.
The Prime Minister was forced to shuffle her top team when Sir Michael became the first Cabinet casualty of the growing Westminster sexual harassment scandal, in a shock resignation on Wednesday night.
The ex-defence secretary had admitted making unwanted advances on a female journalist in 2012 and told Ms May that his behaviour had "fallen below the high standards required" of the post.
Ms McVey, a former TV presenter, will play key role in enforcing party discipline, as well as making sure Tory MPs vote with the Government on pivotal issues.
The whips play an increasingly important part in ensuring Government business is passed through the Commons after Ms May lost her parliamentary majority in the election.
Allegations of sexual abuse and harassment have been sweeping Westminster in recent days following the emergence of a so-called 'dirty dossier' detailing claims of sexual misconduct by some 40 Tory MPs.
Ms May has announced an investigation into contested claims that her de-facto deputy Damian Green made inappropriate advances on a female journalist, while International Trade minister Mark Garnier admitted asking his secretary to buy sex toys and calling her 'sugar tits'.
Labour has also faced claims that a senior party official warned young activist Bex Bailey not to report allegations that she was raped at a Labour party event in 2011.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments