Second May ministry#Changes 2

{{further|List of departures from the second May ministry}}

The 2017 snap election resulted in a hung parliament, with the Conservative Party holding the most seats in the House of Commons, but without an overall majority. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) had suggested that it would be able to provide a coalition or confidence and supply arrangement depending on negotiations.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/09/suddenly-become-important-democratic-unionist-party-could-hold/|title=Who are the DUP and will they demand a soft Brexit to prop up the Tories?|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=9 June 2017|archive-date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170609084123/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/09/suddenly-become-important-democratic-unionist-party-could-hold/|url-status=live}} Theresa May, the incumbent Conservative prime minister, announced her intention on 9 June 2017 to form a new minority government with support from the DUP.{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/general-election-2017/general-election-2017-result-live-we-will-work-with-dup-friends-and-allies-in-interests-of-all-uk-says-theresa-may-35806871.html|title=General Election 2017 result live: We will work with DUP friends and allies in interests of all UK, says Theresa May|date=9 June 2017|work=The Belfast Telegraph|access-date=9 June 2017}} Both parties indicated that this support would be in the form of a confidence and supply agreement, rather than a formal coalition.

On 10 June, a survey of 1,500 Conservative Home readers found that almost two-thirds of Conservative Party members wanted Theresa May to resign.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/10/almost-two-thirds-conservative-party-members-want-theresa-may/|title=Almost two-thirds of Conservative Party members want Theresa May to resign as Prime Minister|author=Jack Maidment|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=10 June 2017|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-date=2 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002202857/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/10/almost-two-thirds-conservative-party-members-want-theresa-may/|url-status=live}} A YouGov poll of 1,720 adults for The Sunday Times had 48% saying Theresa May should resign, with 38% against.{{cite web|url=http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/48-think-theresa-may-should-step-down-as-prime-minister-poll-shows-11364187027615|title=48% think Theresa May should step down as Prime Minister, poll shows|website=home.bt.com|date=11 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=24 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124000925/http://home.bt.com/news/uk-news/48-think-theresa-may-should-step-down-as-prime-minister-poll-shows-11364187027615|url-status=live}} A Survation poll of 1,036 adults online for The Mail on Sunday had 49% of people wanting her resignation, with 38% against.

On 10 June 2017, 10 Downing Street issued a statement saying that a Conservative–DUP agreement had been reached in principle.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40236152|title=Election 2017: DUP agrees 'confidence' deal with Tories|date=10 June 2017|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=10 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170610184313/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40236152|url-status=live}} A few hours later, the statement was retracted when it was said that it had been "issued in error" and that talks between the two parties were still ongoing.{{cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dup-tory-deal_uk_593ce995e4b0c5a35ca037cd|title=Theresa May Mocked Mercilessly For 'Omnishambles' After DUP Deal Statement 'Issued In Error'|date=11 June 2017|website=HuffPost|access-date=6 June 2019|archive-date=4 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204233246/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/dup-tory-deal_uk_593ce995e4b0c5a35ca037cd|url-status=live}} Former Prime Minister John Major was concerned that a deal between the Conservatives and DUP could endanger the Northern Ireland peace process.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/13/john-major-tory-dup-deal-could-jeopardise-northern-ireland-peace|title=John Major: Tory-DUP deal risks jeopardising Northern Ireland peace|website=The Guardian|date=13 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|archive-date=14 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614083518/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/13/john-major-tory-dup-deal-could-jeopardise-northern-ireland-peace|url-status=live}}

On 11 June 2017, former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne described May as a "dead woman walking".{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237819 |title=Theresa May is a dead woman walking, says Osborne |work=BBC News |date=6 November 2017 |access-date=7 May 2018 |archive-date=27 February 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180227072727/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237819 |url-status=live }} The Secretary of State for Justice, David Lidington, dismissed speculation about May's future as "gossipy stories".{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40547731|title=Theresa May 'quit' stories blamed on 'warm prosecco'|work=BBC News|date=9 July 2017|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=25 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180925214625/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40547731|url-status=live}} Senior Labour politicians stated that they planned to challenge the Conservative minority government early and to put forward alternative policies in their reply to the Queen's Speech. Jeremy Corbyn said he believed there was a majority in parliament for many issues on which Labour "is sympathetic", giving as examples the repeal of the Under-occupancy penalty ('bedroom tax'), and maintaining the triple lock on pensions and the winter fuel allowance. In an interview on 11 June, Corbyn stated that he expected another election to be held within a year.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/11/jeremy-corbyn-labour-will-call-on-other-parties-to-defeat-government |title=Jeremy Corbyn: Labour will call on other parties to defeat government |work=The Guardian |date=11 June 2017 |access-date=7 May 2018 |archive-date=30 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180730202750/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/11/jeremy-corbyn-labour-will-call-on-other-parties-to-defeat-government |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237813|title=Jeremy Corbyn: 'I can still be prime minister'|work=BBC News|date=11 June 2017|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=25 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725095037/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/election-2017-40237813|url-status=live}}

Michael Gove said that the minority government would probably reduce austerity and increase spending on public services.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/13/tories-may-have-to-ease-austerity-plans-says-michael-gove|title=Tories may have to ease austerity plans, says Michael Gove|website=The Guardian|date=13 June 2017|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613114329/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jun/13/tories-may-have-to-ease-austerity-plans-says-michael-gove|url-status=live}} Stephen Bush of the New Statesman also expected less austerity, saying that if voters saw continued austerity in England, Scotland and Wales while the government spent generously in Northern Ireland to maintain the pact with the DUP then the Conservatives would become more unpopular.{{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/06/tories-dup-alliance-creates-opportunities-labour|title=The Tories' DUP alliance creates opportunities for Labour|website=New Statesman|date=13 June 2017|access-date=13 June 2017|archive-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613111554/http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/06/tories-dup-alliance-creates-opportunities-labour|url-status=live}}

A 1% pay cap on public sector workers was under review according to 10 Downing Street.{{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/06/pmqs-review-jeremy-corbyn-prompts-tory-outrage-he-blames-grenfell-tower-fire|title=PMQs review: Jeremy Corbyn prompts Tory outrage as he blames Grenfell Tower fire on austerity|website=New Statesman|date=28 June 2017|access-date=28 June 2017|archive-date=28 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628142938/http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/06/pmqs-review-jeremy-corbyn-prompts-tory-outrage-he-blames-grenfell-tower-fire|url-status=live}} and increasing numbers of high ranking Conservatives wanted to end it.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40477136|title=Boris Johnson joins calls to end public sector pay cap|work=BBC News|date=3 July 2017|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=16 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180116151423/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40477136|url-status=live}}

On the afternoon of 11 June, Theresa May finalised the composition of her cabinet.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40241229|title=Cabinet reshuffle: Theresa May praises Tory 'talent'|date=11 June 2017|work=The Guardian|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=11 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170611153102/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-40241229|url-status=live}} The senior positions of Chancellor, Foreign Secretary and Home Secretary, as well as the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU, had already been confirmed on 9 June with all four incumbents staying in office. The reshuffle saw prominent Brexiteer MPs, such as Boris Johnson and David Davis, retain their roles, but also resulted in the promotion of Damian Green and David Gauke, both of whom had supported the remain side during the EU referendum.{{cite news|url=https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/theresa-may/news/86608/damian-green-promoted-theresa|title=Damian Green promoted in Theresa May's reshuffle in hint her Brexit stance will be softened|first=Emilio|last=Casalicchio|date=11 June 2017|work=Politics Home|access-date=11 June 2017|archive-date=30 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730205810/https://www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/conservative-party/theresa-may/news/86608/damian-green-promoted-theresa|url-status=live}} Junior ministerial roles were allocated the following day, with a full list of new ministerial and government appointments confirmed on 12 June.{{cite news|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/election-2017-ministerial-appointments|title=Full list of new ministerial and government appointments: June 2017|date=12 June 2017|publisher=Government of the United Kingdom|access-date=21 June 2017|archive-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613020434/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/election-2017-ministerial-appointments|url-status=live}}

On 3 July 2017, polls suggested that May's popularity had dropped drastically since the election on 8 June. 60% of voters viewed May less favourably than they had during the election, and she had a net disapproval rating of 20%: 31% approved her leadership, while 51% disapproved.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/01/over-60-of-voters-view-theresa-may-as-pm-negatively-poll|title=Theresa May's ratings slump in wake of general election – poll|website=The Guardian|date=2 July 2017|access-date=3 July 2017|archive-date=3 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170703221932/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/jul/01/over-60-of-voters-view-theresa-may-as-pm-negatively-poll|url-status=live}} By 7 July, YouGov gave Labour an eight-point lead over the Conservatives (46% to 38%). A New Statesman article argued that a factor in this lead was Office for National Statistics figures showing household disposable incomes falling faster than at any time since 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/07/how-excited-should-labour-be-about-its-8-point-poll-lead|title=How excited should Labour be about its 8-point poll lead?|website=New Statesman|date=7 July 2017|access-date=8 July 2017|archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812033539/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/uk/2017/07/how-excited-should-labour-be-about-its-8-point-poll-lead|url-status=live}}

May reshuffled her cabinet on 8–9 January 2018.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-42597785 |title=Brandon Lewis made Tory chairman in reshuffle |date=8 January 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108010433/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-42597785 |url-status=live }} Amidst the rejection in three successive votes by parliament of the Brexit withdrawal agreement, she negotiated to leave the European Union. She announced on 24 May 2019 that she would resign as leader of the Conservative Party on 7 June, though she continued to serve as a caretaker until Boris Johnson was elected leader and asked to form a new government on 24 July 2019.

Lord Faulks maintains he tried to introduce a public register of overseas property owners to prevent money laundering in the UK. Faulks alleges May's government put pressure on him to withdraw the measures claiming it would be addressed in future legislation. Faulks maintains no such legislation happened. Faulks said, “I was obviously misled because nothing has subsequently happened. I can only think a deluded desire to protect the City of London has led to all these delays. (...) Quite frankly, I was leant on. I was leant on by No 10 Downing Street and summoned to a meeting of officials from all sorts of different departments, who told me it was very unfortunate that I was going to do this because the matter was in hand.”[https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2022/feb/15/no-10-pressure-money-laundering-measures-lord-faulks No 10 pressured me to drop anti-money laundering measures, says ex-minister] The Guardian

• Following allegations of sexual misconduct, Michael Fallon resigned from his post of Defence Secretary on 1 November 2017.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-41838682 |title=Sir Michael Fallon resigns, saying his conduct 'fell short' |date=1 November 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108134637/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-41838682 |url-status=live }} He was replaced by Gavin Williamson.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-41844320 |title=Gavin Williamson replaces Michael Fallon as defence secretary |date=2 November 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=2 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171102212620/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-41844320 |url-status=live }} Williamson was replaced as Chief Whip by Julian Smith.
• After it was revealed that Priti Patel held unsanctioned meetings with Israeli politicians and officials whilst on a family holiday, thereby violating the Ministerial Code, she was forced to resign from her post of International Development Secretary on 8 November 2017.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-41923007 |title=Priti Patel quits cabinet over Israel meetings row |date=8 November 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=8 November 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108194221/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-41923007 |url-status=live }} She was replaced by Penny Mordaunt.{{Cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/penny-mordaunt-replaces-priti-patel-as-international-development-secretary-in-emergency-cabinet-a3686666.html |title=Penny Mordaunt appointed as Priti Patel's replacement as International Development Secretary |date=9 November 2017 |work=London Evening Standard |access-date=21 December 2017 |archive-date=22 December 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105112/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/politics/penny-mordaunt-replaces-priti-patel-as-international-development-secretary-in-emergency-cabinet-a3686666.html |url-status=live }}
• Following an inquiry that found that he had violated the Ministerial Code, Damian Green resigned from his post on 20 December 2017.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-42434802 |title=Damian Green sacked after 'misleading statements' on porn claims |date=21 December 2017 |work=BBC News |access-date=8 January 2018 |archive-date=8 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108134621/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-42434802 |url-status=live }}

{{main|2018 British cabinet reshuffle}}

• Following a scandal about immigrant removal targets, Amber Rudd resigned from her post of Home Secretary on 29 April 2018.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43944988 |title=Amber Rudd resigns as home secretary |date=29 April 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=30 April 2018 |archive-date=30 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430064018/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43944988 |url-status=live }} She was replaced by Sajid Javid, whose former post of Housing Secretary was filled by James Brokenshire.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43946845 |title=Sajid Javid to be new home secretary after Rudd resigns |date=30 April 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=30 April 2018 |archive-date=22 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190122161725/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-43946845 |url-status=live }}
• Brexit Secretary David Davis resigned from his post on 8 July 2018.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44761056 |title=Brexit Secretary David Davis resigns |date=9 July 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=8 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180708232945/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44761056 |url-status=live }} In his letter of resignation, he cited dissatisfaction with the 6 July "Chequers Agreement” plan for Britain's relationship with the European Union after exit.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44761416 |title=Brexit: Davis' resignation letter and May's reply in full |date=9 July 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=19 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719194818/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44761416 |url-status=live }} Minister of State for Housing and Planning Dominic Raab was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Davis the next day.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44763998 |title=Dominic Raab replaces David Davis as Brexit secretary |date=9 July 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=17 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717221700/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44763998 |url-status=live }} Kit Malthouse replaced Raab as Housing Minister.{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/people/kit-malthouse |title=Kit Malthouse MP |publisher=Government of the United Kingdom |access-date=9 July 2018 |archive-date=9 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180709215556/https://www.gov.uk/government/people/kit-malthouse |url-status=live }}
• Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson resigned from his post on 9 July 2018, reportedly also over dissatisfaction with the Chequers Agreement.{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/09/boris-johnson-resigns-as-foreign-secretary-brexit |title=Boris Johnson resigns as foreign secretary |last=Stewart |first=Heather |date=9 July 2018 |work=The Guardian |access-date=7 September 2018 |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831034544/https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2018/jul/09/boris-johnson-resigns-as-foreign-secretary-brexit |url-status=live }} Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt was appointed to replace Johnson, whilst Hunt's former post was filled by Culture Secretary Matthew Hancock. Attorney General Jeremy Wright replaced Hancock as Culture Secretary, and backbencher Geoffrey Cox replaced Wright as Attorney General.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44774702 |title=Jeremy Hunt replaces Boris Johnson amid Brexit turmoil |date=10 July 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=10 July 2018 |archive-date=10 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710011806/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-44774702 |url-status=live }}
• Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab and Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey resigned on 15 November 2018 following the publication of the draft EU withdrawal agreement the previous day.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46219495|title=Brexit Secretary Dominic Raab resigns over EU agreement|date=15 Nov 2018|access-date=15 Nov 2018|work=BBC News|archive-date=17 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617094908/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-46219495|url-status=live}} On 16 November, Amber Rudd was invited to return to cabinet to fill the post of Work and Pensions Secretary, whilst Steve Barclay was appointed as Brexit Secretary.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46238111 |title=Rudd back in cabinet at work and pensions |date=16 November 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 November 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117042222/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-46238111 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46241693 |title=Steve Barclay named new Brexit Secretary |date=16 November 2018 |work=BBC News |access-date=16 November 2018 |language=en-GB |archive-date=18 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118034205/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-46241693 |url-status=live }}
• Following an inquiry into a leak of information from a meeting of the National Security Council, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson was removed from his post on 1 May 2019. He was replaced by Penny Mordaunt, with her former post of International Development Secretary filled by Rory Stewart.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48126974 |title=Gavin Williamson sacked over Huawei leak |date=1 May 2019 |access-date=1 May 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=26 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190926013520/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48126974 |url-status=live }}
• Andrea Leadsom resigned from her post of Leader of the House of Commons on 22 May 2019.{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48374098 |title=Commons leader quits government over Brexit |date=22 May 2019 |access-date=22 May 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=22 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522193532/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48374098 |url-status=live }} She was replaced by treasury minister Mel Stride,{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48374841 |title=Brexit: PM's withdrawal bill delayed |date=23 May 2019 |access-date=23 May 2019 |language=en-GB |archive-date=23 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190523000805/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-48374841 |url-status=live }} whose post was filled by Minister of State for Transport Jesse Norman. His post was filled by Michael Ellis, and his post was filled by Rebecca Pow.

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{{succession box | before=First May ministry | title=Government of the United Kingdom | after=First Johnson ministry | years=2017–2019}}

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