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Boris Johnson's status as a Tory leader-in-waiting was confirmed today when David Cameron made him a member of his political cabinet.

The Prime Minister’s first Conservative-only reshuffle was launched with the Mayor walking up Downing Street carrying his cycle helmet to be put in the top team for election strategy.

A stream of new faces soon followed him through the front door of No 10 as Mr Cameron used the departure of the Liberal Democrats to promote women. George Osborne’s disciples from the Treasury dominated the big promotions:

Amber Rudd, a former aide to the Chancellor, is promoted to Energy Secretary, replacing Lib-Dem Ed Davey.

Sajid Javid, another Osborne disciple, becomes Business Secretary in a promotion from culture, media and sport.

Right-winger John Whittingdale becomes Culture Secretary. The former aide to Margaret Thatcher chaired the culture, media and sport select committee during its bruising investigation into phone hacking and the Murdoch empire.

Robert Halfon, who was the Chancellor’s Commons aide, becomes deputy chairman of the Conservative Party.

The appointments were seen as strengthening Mr Osborne’s dominance over the Government, and his chances of winning the next Tory leadership contest.

After tweeting the names, Mr Cameron declared: “I am now going to address the 1922 Committee and will continue making appointments at lunchtime.”

Names confirmed from weekend media leaks included Leader of the Lords Baroness Stowell, who is promoted to full Cabinet rank, and Iain Duncan Smith, who remains Work and Pensions Secretary.

The Government’s biggest hitters also stay in post: Chancellor Mr Osborne, Home Secretary Theresa May, Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond, Education Secretary Nicky Morgan and Defence Secretary Michael Fallon.

Michael Gove moves from chief whip to Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, while Chris Grayling takes over as Leader of the Commons. Mark Harper, who quit as immigration minister over the work status of his cleaner, takes over from Mr Gove as chief whip.

The Mayor of London’s appointment means he will attend meetings in 10 Downing Street every second Tuesday with members of the full Cabinet. A proper Cabinet job is expected to be offered next year.

Mr Cameron said: “Boris Johnson will be attending my political cabinet. As promised, he will devote his attention to his final year as mayor of London.”

The posting is recognition by the Prime Minister of Mr Johnson’s unique rapport with voters. That relationship helped him win two terms at City Hall before being elected last week as MP for Uxbridge & South Ruislip.

The pair discussed the move privately last night and agreed it would be impossible for Mr Johnson to take on a formal government job while still mayor.

Crucially, the Mayor will not be bound by collective Cabinet responsibility — which means he can rebel against any future decision to back a third runway at Heathrow without having to resign.

The honour will boost Mr Johnson’s share price as a potential leader, just days after Mr Cameron rewarded arch-rival Mr Osborne with the title First Secretary of State. A City Hall source said: “If Boris gets more time with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor on a regular basis, that can only be good for London.”

Sources say that Mr Johnson and Mr Osborne will be holding their first talks on London issues at Westminster tonight, and are likely to discuss infrastructure projects such as Crossrail 2.

The Mayor’s official spokesman said: “The Mayor has always been clear — he has to fulfil his mandate running London first — and that’s exactly what he will be doing until his term ends in May 2016.” Addressing backbenchers later, Mr Cameron said: “It will be our task to renew a sense of fairness in our society — where those who work hard and do the right thing are able to get on.”

Last night, Mr Cameron told Channel 4 News his first priority was “to get the renegotiation going” on a new European deal.

The new appointments at a glance