Boris Johnson could be offered a new Brexit ‘super-ministry’ as part of Theresa May’s New Year reshuffle.
The Prime Minister is expected to offer him a role encompassing parts of the Business Department and major infrastructure decisions to prepare Britain for leaving the EU.
But last night allies of the Foreign Secretary said he would refuse to accept anything that looked like a demotion.
The Mail understands the long-awaited reshuffle could begin as early as next week. Senior sources said it was ‘looking very likely’.
Boris Johnson could be moving to a new Brexit role after a turbulent time in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Mrs May will also embark on a domestic policy blitz in the coming weeks, with major speeches on education and the environment. A third major Brexit speech is pencilled in for February.
But first the PM will stamp her authority on the government, and inject fresh energy into the senior ministerial ranks.
Sir Patrick McLoughlin, who is seen as having underperformed as party chairman, is likely to be sacked, while Jeremy Hunt is in line for a promotion.
The Health Secretary, who has been in his job for nearly eight years, is regarded as a ‘safe pair of hands’ by No10. He has become their go-to minister for difficult media interviews.
Despite backing Remain, he has wholeheartedly endorsed Brexit since the referendum.
Mr Hunt could be offered Damian Green’s role in the Cabinet Office, or be moved to the Home Office with Amber Rudd becoming First Secretary of State.
After months of mounting speculation he would be sacked Chancellor Philip Hammond is likely to keep his job having got through the Budget without incident.
Other ministers thought to be facing sack or demotion include Education Secretary Justine Greening, Leader of the Commons Andrea Leadsom and Business Secretary Greg Clark.
Anne Milton, a minister of state in the Department for Education could be promoted to the Cabinet, alongside Justice minister Dominic Raab.
Immigration minister Brandon Lewis is widely tipped to take over as party chairman.
The offer to Mr Johnson could include stewardship of Business and elements of transport. It would give him a platform to speak about the opportunities offered by Brexit.
However allies said he is happy at the Foreign Office and would fight a demotion from one of the great offices of State. David Davis would stay as Brexit Secretary.
The possible moves comes as part of Theresa May’s New Year reshuffle, which could see Jeremy Hunt promoted and Justine Greening, Sir Patrick McLoughlin and Andrea Leadsom sacked
A new Secretary of State post would be created solely to deal with housing. Mrs May has pledged to build more homes to appeal to under 40s struggling to get on the housing ladder.
No10 are keen to capitalise on Michael Gove’s success at the Department for the Environment, where he has announced major initiatives including cutting plastic waste and combatting animal cruelty.
A more radical reshuffle is likely in the junior ranks, as Mrs May seeks to promote talented younger MPs.
In her New Year message, the PM said most people just wanted the government to ‘get on and deliver a good Brexit’ however they voted in the referendum.
But she said that would not be the ‘limit of our ambitions’.
‘We also have to carry on making a difference here and now on the issues that matter to people’s daily lives.’
‘The first step to a better future is getting a place at a good school. It’s what every parent expects and it’s what every child deserves.’
‘We will protect and enhance natural environment for the next generation.
And she will pledge, in the year the NHS turns 70, to ‘ensure it can deliver a world-class service now and for generations to come.’
She added: ‘I believe 2018 can be a year of renewed confidence and pride in our country. A year in which we continue to make good progress towards a successful Brexit deal, an economy that’s fit for the future, and a stronger and fairer society for everyone.’