Theresa May brings more gay marriage opponents and Brexiters into new Cabinet
Theresa May’s new Cabinet features more opponents of same-sex marriage than David Cameron’s, as she seeks to unite the wings of the Conservative Party.
The leader this week succeeded David Cameron as Prime Minister and leader of the Conservative Party in the wake of the decision to leave the European Union.
She has appointed a new cabinet aimed at reconciling the wings of the Conservative Party as preparations begin for Brexit.
While only four Cabinet ministers opposed equal marriage at the time of the vote, and five ahead of the reshuffle last week, Ms May’s new team appears to more widely represent Conservative MPs as a whole – with nine ministers who opposed equal marriage, including Brexit Secretary David Davis – while opponents Andrea Leadsom, Dr Liam Fox and Philip Hammond all landed big roles.
However, there were also some prominent promotions for pro-LGBT politicians.
Newly-out MP Justine Greening was brought in as Education Secretary and equalities minister, while Boris Johnson – an early Tory proponent of equal marriage who was not in Parliament at the time of the vote – lands a role as Foreign Secretary.
Take a look at how the new Cabinet voted on equal marriage below.
| Theresa May | Prime Minister | Yes |
| Philip Hammond | Chancellor | Abstained |
| Amber Rudd | Home Secretary | Yes |
| Boris Johnson | Foreign Secretary | Supported (Not in Parliament) |
| Liz Truss | Justice Secretary | Yes |
| Michael Fallon | Defence Secretary | No |
| Greg Clark | Business Secretary | Yes |
| Damian Green | Work and Pensions Secretary | Yes |
| Justine Greening | Education Secretary, Equalities | Yes |
| David Lidlington | Leader of the House of Commons | No |
| Baroness Evans | Leader of the House of Lords | (Not in Parliament) |
| David Davis | Brexit Secretary | No |
| Dr Liam Fox | International Trade Secretary | No |
| Andrea Leadsom | Environment Secretary | Abstained |
| Chris Grayling | Transport Secretary | Yes |
| Karen Bradley | Culture Secretary | Yes |
| Sajid Javid | Communities & Local Government Secretary | Yes |
| Priti Patel | International Development Secretary | No |
| Jeremy Hunt | Health Secretary | Yes |
| James Brokenshire | Northern Ireland Secretary | Yes |
| Alun Cairns | Welsh Secretary | No |
| David Mundell | Scotland Secretary | Yes |
| Patrick McLoughlin | Conservative Party Chairman | Yes |
| Gavin Williamson | Chief Whip | No |
In a statement last week, Mrs May said: “When I launched my campaign for the leadership I set out my belief in building a country that works for everyone. Central to that vision is a commitment to equality, and I will always stand up for the rights of LGBT people.
“I supported Civil Partnerships in 2004, and was proud to sponsor the legislation that introduced full marriage equality in 2013 because I believe marriage should be for everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation.
“I didn’t believe the State should perpetuate discrimination and prejudice against LGBT people. That’s why equal marriage was a hugely significant social reform. And it also made a powerful and important statement that as a country we value and respect everyone.
“For me, equality is about fairness. It is simply wrong for anyone to face discrimination or abuse because of who they are or who they love.
“A Conservative Government under my leadership would be unequivocally committed to supporting LGBT people, and continuing the vital task of tackling hate crime, homophobia and transphobia – both in the UK and around the world.
“I firmly believe in an open, inclusive, One Nation agenda of social reform which will change our country for the better. That is what I would offer as Prime Minister.”
