Boris Johnson has cabinet reshuffle following Brexit-induced resignations

Zac Goldsmith becomes joint environment and international development minister, while Chris Skidmore also promoted

Zac Goldsmith will now attend cabinet. (Getty)

Boris Johnson has conducted a mini reshuffle to his ministerial team following Brexit-induced resignations.

Downing Street said international trade secretary Liz Truss has been given the women and equalities brief which became available after Amber Rudd quit the cabinet at the weekend.

In a devastating resignation letter, the former work and pensions secretary told the prime minister: “I no longer believe leaving with a deal is the government’s main objective.”

Ms Rudd, a leading pro-EU figure criticised for serving under the prime minister in the first place, also condemned the decision to expel 21 rebel Tories for defiance over Brexit, another reason for walking out.

It was “an assault on decency and democracy” and an “act of political vandalism” to end the careers of respected heavyweights including Ken Clarke, Philip Hammond, David Gauke and Nicholas Soames, she said.

“I cannot stand by as good, loyal, moderate Conservatives are expelled,” Ms Rudd wrote. She has said she will stand as an independent MP in a future general election.

The prime minister has also promoted Conservative colleague Zac Goldsmith, who is now a joint environment and international development minister and will attend cabinet.

Chris Skidmore has moved from his health brief back to a joint education and business role after Mr Johnson’s brother Jo resigned earlier in the month.

Edward Argar moves from the Ministry of Justice to the Department of Health and Social Care, and Rebecca Pow switches from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Their replacements have emerged from the Tory backbench with Chris Philp and Helen Whately, both first elected in 2015, taking on their first ministerial jobs.

Mr Philp is now a justice minister and Ms Whately a culture minister.

Parliament is currently suspended for five weeks and will return on 14 October.