The video will start in 8 Cancel

What is really going on in politics? Get our daily email briefing straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

This was not so much a reshuffle as an ugly power grab.

Boris Johnson and Dominic Cummings have purged the frontbench of dissenting voices, replacing them with poodles and proxies.

The Prime Minister has used the shake-up to tighten Downing Street’s control.

Promotions have not been made on merit but on who is more likely to do No10’s bidding.

Competent ministers such as Julian Smith, who oversaw the return of power sharing as Northern Ireland Secretary, have been sacked.

Sajid Javid resigned as Chancellor rather than submit to Downing Street’s demands.

Johnson is only interested in accumulating as much power as possible and removing anybody who seeks to hold him in check.

We have seen this regime try to muzzle political reporters and intimidate the BBC.

The next chapter in this war on dissent will attempt to neuter the power of the courts.

The reshuffle will lead to worse government by an administration that resents being held to account.

Money drought

(Image: Theresa Appleton / SWNS)

Fresh on the heels of Storm Ciara, Britain is set to be battered by Storm Dennis this weekend.

The Met Office is warning the severe weather could pose a danger to life.

This could bring more misery on households who are still recovering after last weekend.

The climate crisis means severe weather is likely to become more frequent – which is why we need to be better prepared.

Ministers need to explain why the areas worst affected by flooding have received less money for flood defences and seen the deepest cuts to fire and rescue services.