Post-Brexit 'restructuring' of British government: Minister for Northern Ireland Julian Smith dismissed

(Patria) – British Prime Minister Boris Johnson will on Thursday appoint a new team of associates he believes can implement his vision of a post-Brexit Great Britain.

Part of that vision is the reunification of a society deeply divided over its exit from the EU, as well as finding a solution to divisions within the Conservative Party.

According to sources close to his cabinet, speculation about dramatic changes will be countered by Johnson taking more moderate and expected steps, such as promoting those who remained loyal to him in the toughest times and helped him win the election, as well as encouraging younger talent, especially women; the same source mentions Anne-Marie Trevelyan, Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Suella Braverman, former junior minister for Brexit, and Gillian Keegan, a member of parliament.

Changes have already begun with the (unexpected) dismissal of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Julian Smith, despite his significant contribution to negotiations on re-establishing the Northern Ireland government – a task many considered an 'impossible mission'.

Smith's departure from office after only 204 days in Boris Johnson's government will not be viewed favorably by Dublin and Belfast, given his evident merits for Northern Ireland.

However, Johnson's decision did not surprise those who know that he and Smith disagreed on issues of Brexit and Northern Ireland. The BBC comments that Smith was not one of 'loyal at all costs' but fought for his place in the (political) sun.

Nevertheless, some senior Tory officials believe that now is not the time for a radical transformation of the government. They consider such a move costly and potentially disruptive at a time when Johnson must maintain good relations with everyone who was part of the huge majority that supported him, including traditional supporters of the opposition Labour Party.

Reuters writes that Johnson plans parallel trade negotiations with the EU and the US, as well as hosting the COP26 climate change summit in November.