Hucknall MP Mark Spencer loses key government job in Liz Truss shake-up
Hucknall MP Mark Spencer has lost his prestigious Cabinet role in the immediate aftermath of Liz Truss becomeing the new Conservative leader and Prime Minister.
Former Chief Whip Mr Spencer, MP for Sherwood, has held key jobs for the past three years under the Boris Johnson regime, most recently as Leader of the House of Commons.
But on Tuesday evening, Ms Truss began forming her government and there was no space at the top table for Mr Spencer.
The change had been predicted given that Mr Spencer had backed Ms Truss’ direct rival for Number 10, ex-Chancellor Rishi Sunak, during the long process for the Tories to elect a new leader.
On Monday, Mr Spencer had called for ‘unity’ and gave his support to the new regime.
Penny Mordaunt, who came third in the recent leadership contest, will replace Mr Spencer as Leader of the House of Commons.
Responding the the changes, Mr Spencer said: “One of the advantages of being elected Prime Minister is the ability to choose your own Cabinet, and I am in no doubt that Liz Truss has chosen candidates from across the party who possess a multitude of talents.
“I am ready to support the Prime Minister in whatever capacity she requires me to, and encourage my Conservative colleagues to fall behind our new leader as she navigates us through these difficult times.”
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