The resignation of Sir Michael Fallon presented the prime minister with a problem — how to replace him without a full-scale reshuffle. So prime ministers most often respond to resignations with limited changes. The instinct to do this will have been increased by the worry that a big reshuffle could be followed by other resignations, requiring further change. This desire to keep things limited is the most important explanation of Gavin Williamson’s appointment. The defence secretary is just below the very top rung, but is…

Source: The Times November 03, 2017 00:00 UTC