JULIAN Smith has been sacked as Northern Ireland secretary despite brokering a deal to get the Stormont government back up and running just weeks ago.
Boris Johnson delivered the news in his Commons office as he kicked off his eagerly-anticipated reshuffle on Thursday morning.
The Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom, housing minister Esther McVey and universities minister Chris Skidmore have also been removed from their posts.
Julian Smith breaks ranks with PM to brand no-deal Brexit ‘very bad’ for Northern Ireland Boris Johnson calls on Stormont to 'deliver for the people' after Assembly is restored Power-sharing returns to Stormont after Sinn Fein says it supports devolution deal Smith, who served as Theresa May’s Chief Whip, was thought to be secure in his spot after helping secure the restoration of the Northern Ireland power-sharing executive.
But he tweeted after his meeting with the Prime Minister: “Serving the people of Northern Ireland has been the biggest privilege.
“I am extremely grateful to Boris Johnson for giving me the chance to serve this amazing part of our country.
“The warmth and support from people across Northern Ireland has been incredible. Thank you so much.”
The agreement last month between Sinn Fein and the DUP to get the Northern Ireland Assembly going, after being shuttered for three years, was initially hailed as a triumph for Mr Smith and a tangible achievement for Mr Johnson’s achievement.
He was even awarded “Minister of the year” by the Spectator magazine a fortnight ago.
But there were reports the PM felt “blindsided” by the deal, which includes a controversial clause over investigations into historical allegations against British soldiers during the Troubles.
A senior government source told The Times: “There is concern about the way he’s been operating."
The Business Secretary Andrea Leadsom, housing minister Esther McVey and universities minister Chris Skidmore have also been removed from their posts.
Leadsom revealed news of her sacking on social media, tweeting: “It has been a real privilege to serve in Government for the last six years, and in BEIS for six months.
“I now look forward to focusing on my constituents and on my 20+ year campaign to see every baby get the best start in life.
I’m particularly proud of my work in BEIS on net zero and the ‘Countdown to COP’ and on making the UK the best place in the world to work and to grow a business.
“Huge thanks to my brilliant team in BEIS, I will continue from the back benches to work to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect.”
And McVey wrote: “I’m very sorry to be relieved of my duties as Housing Minister I wish my successor the very best and every success.
“I’m very grateful to the Prime Minister for having given me the opportunity to serve in his government and he will continue to have my support from the back benches.”
While Skidmoree joked he had “got a promotion in the reshuffle to be a better dad”.
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