Julian Smith has been sacked as Northern Ireland Secretary, as part of BorisJohnson's cabinet reshuffle. | seanwhelanRTE and Tommie Gorman report |
His departure comes just weeks after brokering the deal which restored the power-sharing administration in Stormont.
— Julian Smith MP February 13, 2020 Mr Smith was called in to see the prime minister in his Commons office as the reshuffle began. He was a Remainer and an active Chief Whip when Theresa May was prime minister. That made him vulnerable. His appointment to the Northern Ireland role, replacing Karen Bradley, when Boris Johnson became Tory leader was a surprise. The DUP knew him from their Confidence and Supply dealings with the Conservatives and they were supportive of him getting the job.
U have been such an effective SOS for NI at a time of real challenge & risk. Without your leadership I don't believe NI would have a Govt today. Thank you @JulianSmithUK for your trust, friendship and courage; UK & #Ireland can look to future with more confidence because of it. Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster said on Twitter that while she may not have always agreed with Mr Smith, "his dedication to the role was incredible."
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