Rishi Sunak has appointed a team of senior ministers on his first day as UK Prime Minister.
In a keynote speech outside Number 10, he said he wanted to bring the country and the party together, promising economic stability and confidence.
The cabinet reshuffle saw some expected choices, and some that surprised MPs.
“Unity, experience and continuity in some key characters,” are the 10 themes he wanted to convey.
So, what can we read about who’s staying, who’s leaving, and what does it all mean?
Number 10’s message was echoed by Sir Craig Oliver, David Cameron’s former director of communications, who said: “The Coalition is the guardian of this reshuffle. It is clear that every part of the party feels represented in some way. will
“Mr Sunak also didn’t relegate the big beasts to the backbench where they could cause trouble – as Truss did with Michael Gow.”
Another notable element of the reshuffle is the consolidation of three top posts: Jeremy Hunt as chancellor, James Cleverley as foreign secretary and Ben Wallace as defense secretary.
It is likely intended as a clear message that, especially amid the war in Ukraine and the economic downturn of the past few months, Mr Sunak wants to reassure MPs that he can offer stability.
Mr Hunt scrapped most of the tax cuts brought in by former prime minister Liz Truss, turning the economic plan into something more similar to Mr Sunak’s proposals during the summer leadership contest.
He and Mr Sunak have spoken of the need for “difficult decisions”, which we are likely to hear more about on October 31 when they set the government’s next budget.
As well as a sign of stability, keeping Boris Johnson’s ally Mr Wallace as defense secretary – and Mr Cleverley as foreign secretary – is an olive branch for some senior MPs who have not backed Mr Sunak.
“This cabinet brings together the talents of the party,” a No 10 source said, speaking about the end of the reshuffle.
“It reflects a united party and a cabinet with significant experience, ensuring that there is continuity at the heart of government in these uncertain times.”
He said the hard work would now begin and the new cabinet would deliver “for the British people”.
A senior government source told that Mr Cleverley’s appointment would allow “stability in the Foreign Office” and mean “the continuity of Britain’s relationships around the world”.
Indeed, Mr Cleverly’s social media feeds, as the reshuffle progressed, were filled with images of him calling foreign government representatives.
Although the decision shows that Penny Mordant paid the price for not exiting the leadership race sooner.
It was widely reported that she was in the running for the role of Foreign Secretary. He remains as Leader of the House of Commons, the job that ensures government legislation gets through Parliament.
However, one potential conflict is coming down the line, over defense spending.
Mr Wallace has made it clear in the past that he wants defense spending to rise to 3 per cent of national income by 2030. This is not something the new chancellor has done as part of his plans to create efficiencies (read: cuts) in government.
