LONDON: British Prime Minister Theresa May was expected to appoint Brexit-supporting lawmaker Penny Mordaunt as aid minister on Thursday following a resignation that has left her struggling to stave off open conflict in a cabinet divided over leaving the EU.
May is grappling with crises on several fronts. Her team is struggling to make headway in exit talks with the European Union, several ministers are embroiled in a wider sexual harassment scandal and her ability to command a majority in parliament is facing its most serious test.
Mordaunt, 44, who has previously held junior ministerial roles, arrived at Downing Street for a meeting with May during which her appointment as the new International Development Secretary was expected to be confirmed.
Fellow Brexit supporter Priti Patel resigned from the position on Wednesday over undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials.
Patel’s resignation forced May into her second cabinet reshuffle in a week after former Defense Minister Michael Fallon resigned in the sexual harassment scandal that has also led to investigations into the conduct of two other ministers including May’s deputy.
Mordaunt was elected in 2010 to represent the southern English coastal city of Portsmouth, where she also serves as a volunteer reservist for the Royal Navy. She has previously argued the EU was a failing institution and that leaving would help make Britain safer.
May expected to pick Brexit supporter to replace scandal-hit aid minister
May expected to pick Brexit supporter to replace scandal-hit aid minister
