The Intelligence from The Economist Shake, rattle the roles: Britain’s cabinet reshuffle
Sep 16, 2021
Anne McElvoy, Senior editor at The Economist, and Natasha Loader, the health policy editor, dive into Britain’s recent cabinet reshuffle, discussing its reflection on Boris Johnson's political strength and the potential impacts on key issues like housing. They also tackle the controversial ethics of COVID-19 human challenge trials, shedding light on the scientific insights gained from deliberately infecting volunteers. Lastly, they explore how rural areas are capitalizing on their dark skies for tourism, transforming their economies in innovative ways.
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Cabinet Reshuffles
- British cabinet reshuffles are a peculiar, sudden reordering of government positions.
- They're messy, public events driven by rewards, punishments, and agenda-setting.
Raab's Dismissal
- Dominic Raab, the former Foreign Secretary, was dismissed, likely due to his handling of the Afghanistan crisis.
- His delayed response while on holiday embarrassed Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Truss's Appointment
- Liz Truss, a Brexit supporter, replaced Raab as Foreign Secretary, marking a significant promotion.
- She is the first female Conservative to hold this position, signaling a shift in representation.