LONDON, Feb 9 (Asia Free Press): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, fighting for his political survival, reshuffled some ministers in his administration on Tuesday to try to appease his lawmakers angered by a series of scandals, according to media reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Johnson had pledged to reset his premiership to turn the tide on his gravest crisis yet, which is fuelled by the fall-out from many boozy events in his Downing Street office and residence during strict COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, reported Reuters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After appointing new hires to his team in Number 10, Johnson then reshuffled his “whips” operation – the team of lawmakers who enforce discipline in the governing Conservative Party to make sure lawmakers back government policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mark Spencer, who was the chief whip, was replaced by lawmaker Chris Heaton-Harris, a close ally of Johnson who has been working to shore up support among lawmakers during months of reports about lockdown-breaking parties in Downing Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Spencer becomes the leader of parliament’s lower chamber, the House of Commons, taking over from Jacob Rees-Mogg, who was appointed minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“This was about making changes both in the workings of Number 10 and changes to strengthen that relationship between Cabinet, parliament and Number 10 and I think that’s what we’re seeking to deliver,” the spokesman told reporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He described Rees-Mogg’s appointment as one to “drive forward the changes we are now able to make now that we’ve left the EU (European Union) delivering on our post-Brexit agenda”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Johnson promised his lawmakers last week that he would shake up operations in his Number 10 office. Four of his closest aides resigned on Thursday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lawmaker Andrew Griffith was appointed head of Johnson’s policy department and Cabinet office minister Stephen Barclay has become his new chief of staff. He has also appointed a former colleague, Guto Harri, as his new director of communications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several Conservative lawmakers as well as opposition leaders have demanded that Johnson resign. The opposition accuses him of misleading parliament, a charge he has denied.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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