James Cleverly moved from Middle East post in mini-resuffle

James Cleverly has taken up the role as Minister for Europe as part of Boris Johnson’s latest reshuffle.

Cleverly replaced Chris Heaton-Harris in the role nearly two years after he was handed the role in the Foreign Office.

The Foreign Office said that Cleverly’s existing full role as minister for the Middle East, north Africa and North America would be redistributed among ministers.

At the time of his appointment in 2020 Cleverly said he it “exciting beyond belief and gives me a chance to work in an area of government I’m really passionate about.”

Meanwhile barrister Michael Ellis, who is Jewish, was named as the new minister for the Cabinet Office.

Ellis, the MP for Northampton North, has taken on some of Cabinet Office minister Stephen Barclay’s brief, after Barclay became Johnson’s new chief of staff.

Ellis, a Conservative Friends of Israel member whohas participated in delegations to raise concerns about an agreement relating to Iran’s nuclear capabilities,will also keep his existing role of paymaster general and will attend cabinet.

A reshuffle has been expected since the PM promised to make changes at No.10 in the wake of Sue Gray’s update on her report on the lockdown-breaking Downing Street gatherings.

In other moves Heaton-Harris has been moved to the Chief Whip’s role and Chief whip Mark Spencer has replaced Jacob Rees-Mogg as leader of the Commons.

Rees-Mogg was confirmed as Minister for Brexit opportunities and government efficiency.