Theresa May says ‘I’m no quitter’ as she prepares Cabinet reshuffle

The Prime Minister said she wanted to lead the Conservatives into the next general election – due to take place in 2022 – saying: ‘I’m not a quitter. I’m in this for the long term.’

But pressed on the BBC1’s Andrew Marr Show on whether she would still be there the next time the country goes to the polls, she replied: ‘Obviously I serve as long as people want me to serve.’

Her comments came as Downing Street sources indicated she would begin her expected reshuffle amid reports that a series of senior ministers are set to be axed or moved.

May has been forced to make changes to her top team following the resignation last month of Damian Green as first secretary of state after he admitted to lying about the alleged discovery of pornographic images on his Commons computer during a police raid.

But unlike the previous resignations of Sir Michael Fallon and Priti Patel – when consequent changes were kept to a minimum – his departure is expected to trigger a wider ministerial re-jig.

There will also be a reshuffle among the middle-ranking and junior ministerial roles.

‘Some changes do have to be made and I will be making some changes,’ May said.

But her most senior colleagues – including Chancellor Philip Hammond, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Brexit Secretary David Davis – will remain in post.

But alongside Leadsom, Education Secretary Justine Greening, Conservative Party chairman Sir Patrick McLoughlin and Business Secretary Greg Clark are vulnerable.

May is likely to take the opportunity to bring forward some more junior ministers, with Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis and Justice Minister Dominic Raab among those tipped for promotion.