PMQs LIVE: Boris surrounded by worried looking ministers as he prepares major shake up

Sky News: Dominic Raab to be 'fall guy' in cabinet reshuffle

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Boris Johnson is thought to be preparing to shake up his top team after squaring off with Sir Keir Starmer in the Commons. The Labour leader will grill the Prime Minister on a planned cut to Universal Credit and his Covid winter plan.

It will be only the second time he has quizzed Mr Johnson in a full House, having been elected once social distancing measures were already in place in the Chamber.

The Government benches are likely to be incredibly lively today as Conservatives angling for a job in any shake up of Mr Johnson’s top team.

Ministers and backbenchers alike will be keen to prove their support for the leader.

A planned reshuffle directly after PMQs would coincide with the 40th anniversary of a reshuffle by Margaret Thatcher, who sacked three ministers she deemed to be failing in their roles.

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES FROM EXPRESS.CO.UK

‘Labour just wants more taxes!’ says Boris

The Labour leader responds: “The Prime Minister didn’t answer the question, the work and pensions secretary thinks it is two hours a week.

“Let me make it easier, is the correct answer higher or lower than that?”

Boris Johnson hits back saying the point is simple, saying he wants to help get people off benefits.

“Of course what they want to do is continue to take money in taxes and put it into benefits,” he says of Labour.

“We want to encourage high wages and high skills. That is the difference between this Government and the party opposite”

Universal Credit curt attacked by Labour leader

Sir Keir Starmer opens by asking about the cut to Universal Credit.

He says: “How many extra hours a week would a single parent working full-time on minimum wage have to work to get back the £20 a week the Prime Minister plans to take away from them in his Universal Credit cuts?”

Mr Johnson responds saying Sir Keir’s point is “absurd”.

He says Labour wants to abolish Universal Credit and “everyone in this House should be proud of what we’re doing to help the low paid.”

PMQs gets underway

There are huge cheers from ministers on the Government frontbenches as Boris Johnson takes his place in the Commons.

He opens by congratulating Emma Raducanu on her US Open win.

Rishi Sunak and Priti Patel looking relaxed

Priti Patel and Rishi Sunak have been spotted laughing and joking behind the Speaker’s chair in the Commons.

If there’s to be a reshuffle, these two seem fairly relaxed about it.

How much PMQs prep has the Prime Minister done?

Wednesday mornings are usually taken up by hours of preparation for PMQs.

But with a reshuffle in the card, the moring may well have been spent putting some finishing touches on the plans to reorganise the Cabinet.

Will Sir Keir Starmer be able to catch the Prime Minister off guard?

Reshuffle to take wind out of Starmer

Sir Keir Starmer will have been hoping to go in hard on the Prime Minister today.

With an Opposition Day vote on the cut to Universal Credit taking place this afternoon, he will have wanted to confront Boris Johnson on cutting benefits for the poorest in society.

But any attack lines are now likely to be completely forgotten by tonight if a reshuffle does take place.

Who will stay and who will go?

Boris Johnson is said to be preparing for a reshuffle to take place this afternoon.

There are plenty of rumours flying around Westminster as to who is for the chop.

The latest gossip has Michael Gove tipped for a big promotion to the Home Office or Foreign Office.

Gavin Williamson is expected to be axed completely.

Source: Read Full Article