Nicky Morgan remains education secretary and equalities minister in reshuffle
Tory Nicky Morgan will remain as education secretary and minister for women and equalities, it has been announced.
The Tory MP for Loughborough, who retained her seat in this week’s general election, was controversially appointed to the equalities post in July last year – despite voting against same-sex marriage.
Ms Morgan has since become a supporter of LGBT rights, telling PinkNews in October that she would “probably” vote in favour of same-sex marriage if she could do so again.
The BBC reports today that she will remain in post, after a number of ministers were re-allocated.
The minister has also launched a push against homophobic bullying, addressed rights campaigners at the PinkNews Awards last year.
Ms Morgan, at the PinkNews Awards, said she is glad to now celebrate same-sex marriage, despite criticism that she voted against it last year, and was heckled by Labour’s Ben Bradshaw for doing so.
She previously suggested she would step down from the Cabinet, if her party was forced to seek to form a coalition government involving the UK Independence Party.
Ms Morgan said last month: “I think if we end up in coalition discussion territory, people will have to ask themselves who they are happy to serve with. It is difficult envisaging what might happen but Nigel Farage is not my cup of tea.”
She also strongly criticised “stomach-turning” comments made by former UKIP leader Mr Farage about foreign HIV patients on the NHS, and praised Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood for her criticism of Farage on the night.
Also in the reshuffle, Michael Gove was appointed as justice secretary.
Mr Gove will be responsible for clearing the names of gay people convicted of historic gay sex offences, as set out in the Tory manifesto, as well as abolishing the Human Rights Act to be replaced by a “British Bill of Rights”.
Chris Grayling was today appointed as the leader of the House of Commons and Mr Cameron yesterday announced that George Osborne would remain as chancellor, Theresa May would stay home secretary, Philip Hammond will remain as Foreign Secretary.
He also appointed Michael Fallon as Defence Secretary.
The changes follow disaster for the Tories’ former coalition partners Lib Dems, who lost dozens of seats. Ministerial positions formerly filled by Lib Dems will be filled in the coming days.
Protests took place in London and Cardiff today as hundreds marched against the new Tory majority Government.
PinkNews election coverage is generously supported by KPMG.
