Priti Patel predicted for frontbench comeback in Boris Johnson cabinet

Priti Patel - Image credit: PA Images

Former international development secretary Priti Patel is predicted to make a frontbench comeback in Boris Johnson’s new cabinet.

Johnson has pledged to unveil a “cabinet for modern Britain” when he takes over as prime minister.

Allies of the new Conservative leader said he would appoint a “record number” of ethnic minority politicians and boost the number of women attending as full members of the cabinet to better reflect the country.

Former international development secretary Priti Patel and current employment minister Alok Sharma are expected to be appointed to the cabinet when Johnson takes over from Theresa May.

Patel's return would be a dramatic comeback after she was sacked by Theresa May in 2017 for breaching the ministerial code over unauthorised meetings with Israeli politicians while on holiday.

The Times reports that Patel is being lined up as home secretary, while the current occupant of that job, Sajid Javid, has been widely tipped to become Johnson's chancellor.

Meanwhile promotions are also in store for Tory rising stars Rishi Sunak, Oliver Dowden, Robert Jenrick and Tracey Crouch.

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

But the string of appointments comes amid reports that Johnson's vanquished Tory leadership rival Jeremy Hunt is resisting being appointed as defence secretary, a move seen as a step down from his current role of foreign secretary.

Both Sky News and The Sun report that Hunt, who was beaten by a margin of almost two to one, has rejected the chance to serve as Johnson's defence secretary.

A source close to Hunt told The Sun: "He won't accept a demotion."

Johnson has already appointed Sherwood MP Mark Spencer, who backed Remain in the EU referendum, as his chief whip, tasked with marshalling the votes needed to get the new PM's programme through the House of Commons.

The incoming prime minister will formally take over from Theresa May at around 3:30pm, when he will be asked by the Queen to form a new government.