UK PM May announces new cabinet, sacks Michael Gove

Michael Gove has been sacked as justice secretary and replaced by Liz Truss as Theresa May forms her new government, in her first full day as UK PM.

BBC revealed that education Secretary Nicky Morgan has also gone, replaced by ex-international development secretary Justine Greening.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has been sacked, while Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has stayed in his post.

On Wednesday Boris Johnson was made foreign secretary in a surprise move by Mrs May. Philip Hammond is chancellor.

Amber Rudd took over Mrs May’s former role as home secretary, Eurosceptic David Davis was made Brexit secretary and Liam Fox took up a new post of secretary of state for international trade. Michael Fallon was retained as defence secretary.

Meanwhile, Andrea Leadsom – who pulled out of the race for the Conservative leadership – has been made secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

Mr Gove – who was one of the leading figures in the campaign to leave the European Union – stood for the Conservative leadership, but was eliminated in the final round of voting by MPs in third place.

His surprise move to stand for the leadership and therefore to become prime minister effectively dashed Mr Johnson’s hopes of running.

His replacement at the Ministry of Justice, Ms Truss, was previously secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

Meanwhile, new Education Secretary Ms Greening’s department is to also take on higher and further education, skills and apprenticeships. Ms Greening said she “absolutely delighted” at her appointment.

Earlier, the new chancellor, Mr Hammond, said there would be “no emergency Budget” when asked about his first priorities as chancellor.

His predecessor George Osborne warned during the EU referendum campaign that he would have to cut public spending and increase taxes in an emergency Budget if there was a vote for Brexit.

Mr Hammond said he would make “carefully considered decisions over the summer”, followed by an Autumn Statement “in the normal way”.

In a move that surprised the political world, Mrs May put Mr Johnson – one of the most prominent figures of the campaign to leave the EU – in charge of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mr Johnson, who has said he is “very humbled” and “very proud” at the appointment, is no stranger to controversy – or gaffes – on the international stage.