PM promotes Michael Gove’s ally Mel Stride to replace Andrea Leadsom in a boost for his leadership hopes

THERESA May promoted Michael Gove’s campaign manager to the Cabinet in a boost for his leadership hopes.

Mel Stride, the Environment Secretary’s close ally, was given the job of Leader of the Commons.

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He replaces Andrea Leadsom, who resigned over Brexit on Wednesday night.

Mr Stride, 57, has been helping Mr Gove whip up growing support among Tory MPs for a tilt at No10 when Mrs May steps down.

The move sparked Westminster speculation that Mrs May now wants Mr Gove to succeed her.

The pair were once bitter enemies, but the Leave campaign boss has been the PM’s staunchest Cabinet defender through out the Brexit crisis of the last six months.

In other changes to the mid ranks, Jesse Norman takes Mr Stride’s old job in the Tresaury as Financial Secretary.

Michael Ellis moves over to backfill him as roads minister, and May loyalist whip Rebecca Pow becomes a minister for the first time in the Culture Department.

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