Who will replace her in Theresa May's cabinet - Priti Patel resigns?
Priti Patel's resignation as International Development Secretary
leaves Theresa May facing a tricky second reshuffle in successive weeks.
The Prime Minister faced a backlash after replacing Sir Michael
Fallon as Defence Secretary with Gavin Williamson and will hope that her latest
enforced change is met with a more positive response from the Tory ranks.
Here are some of the potential contenders for the International
Development Secretary post:
:: Alan Duncan - Currently Boris Johnson's deputy in the Foreign
Office, Sir Alan was at Oxford University at the same time as Mrs May and
preceded her husband Philip as president of the Oxford Union. He has previously
been a minister in the Department for International Development (DfID). As a
Remain supporter, his appointment could upset Brexiteers.
:: Penny Mordaunt - The Work and Pensions Minister had been
viewed as a contender for the Defence Secretary role and would give Mrs May the
opportunity of replacing Ms Patel with another female Brexit-backer,
maintaining the sensitive political balance in Cabinet and the current split in
terms of male and female ministers. The Portsmouth North MP wore her swimsuit
to appear on ITV diving competition Splash in 2014 to raise money for charity.
:: Rory Stewart - A former soldier, diplomat and writer, the
Penrith and the Border MP's life has been so colourful that Brad Pitt's
production company reportedly bought the rights for a biopic. Currently a joint
DfID and Foreign Office minister, Mr Stewart had a short stint as an officer in
the Black Watch before a diplomatic career which saw him become deputy governor
of two provinces in Iraq following the 2003 invasion. Backed Remain in the EU
referendum.
:: Anne Milton - She has held frontbench roles in opposition and
government since 2006, rising to Minister of State in the Department for
Education, and could be viewed as having the necessary experience for a Cabinet
job. The Guildford MP did not disclose which side she supported during the EU
referendum battle.
No comments