Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet

Johnson seeks more diverse cabinet

Taking over as Britain's prime minister, Boris Johnson is expected unveil a more diverse top team in a government to be tasked with delivering Brexit.

The former London mayor won the contest to succeed Theresa May on Tuesday by securing the leadership of the Conservative Party in a campaign that put the United Kingdom on course for a showdown with the European Union.

Johnson's cabinet choices will help to flesh out how he intends to manage the world's fifth-largest economy and its divorce from the EU at one of the most fateful moments in its modern history.

"Boris will build a cabinet showcasing all the talents within the party that truly reflect modern Britain," a source close to Johnson said.

May will leave Downing Street later on Wednesday to hand in her resignation to Queen Elizabeth, who will formally appoint Johnson.

With the pound stuck near two-year lows against the U.S. dollar due to rising concerns about a "no-deal" Brexit, investors are braced to see who will be handed the top roles such as finance minister, foreign secretary and Brexit minister.

A record number of ethnic minority politicians are expected to serve as ministers including Priti Patel, the former aid minister who resigned in 2017 over undisclosed meetings with Israeli officials, and employment minister Alok Sharma.

More women are also expected to serve as full cabinet members.

Oliver Dowden, once deputy chief-of-staff in David Cameron's administration, former sports minister Tracey Crouch, junior finance minister Robert Jenrick and pro-Brexit lawmaker Rishi Sunak are also in line for promotion.

Published: by Radio NewsHub
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