Forming cabinet among formidable tasks facing new UK PM

London

INCOMING British Prime Minister Theresa May faces formidable tasks and the first is to choose highly competent cabinet ministers to cope with the complexities of Brexit and a divided nation.

The 14th UK prime minister under the reign of Queen Elizabeth II has stated three key objectives as she comes to power on Wednesday: "First, the need for strong, proven leadership to steer us through what will be difficult and uncertain economic and political times, the need of course, to negotiate the best deal for Britain in leaving the EU (European Union) and to forge a new role for ourselves in the world".

"Second, we need to unite our country and third . . . a vision of a country that works not for the privileged few, but that works for every one of us, because we're going to give people more control over their lives".

To achieve these aims, Mrs May, 59, who has disclosed that she suffers from Type 1 diabetes, will encounter overwhelming, exhausting tasks both at home and abroad. She thus needs to delegate to a united Cabinet comprising both backers of the "Remain" and "Leave" campaigns in the referendum. Illustrating that she will follow the electorate's vote for departure from the EU, Mrs May has stated that she intends to appoint a Brexit supporter to head a department in charge of negotiations.

Former Tory leaders have whole heartedly given Mrs May their support. "The first thing to know about Theresa is that she is tough," says William Hague, former opposition leader of the Conservatives and Foreign Secretary in David Cameron's government. "There is no point, internally as a minister, or externally as a foreign country, thinking that, in a negotiation with her, you are going to gain ground easily."

"I remember US officials complaining to me in 2012 about her refusal to extradite Gary McKinnon, the computer hacker with Asperger's syndrome accused of hacking into the Pentagon. 'This was a decision made by the Home Secretary after considering all the facts,' I said, as a weary look came over them. 'Mrs May is known in government for going into things thoroughly,' I went on, 'but she is not known for changing her mind once she has made a decision. When she's decided something, my advice is to accept that's the end of it.'"

The general view is that George Osborne will be replaced as Chancellor of the Exchequer and the current press favourite is Philip Hammond, who is currently Foreign Secretary. Some commentators are speculating that Mr Osborne may be appointed foreign secretary, but others contend that his campaigning for Remain was so negative and his negotiations with EU leaders, alongside David Cameron, were so ineffective, that he will not be given this key post. Chris Grayling, Leader of the House of Commons and Mrs May's campaign manager, is tipped to become home secretary, or work and pensions.

Boris Johnson, the former London mayor who led the Brexit campaign, could become culture secretary or possibly chairman of the Tory party due to his popularity while Michael Gove may keep his position as Justice Secretary, the Daily Mail speculates. Andrea Leadsom, who failed dismally in her campaign against Mrs May, might also be given a cabinet or ministerial position. Liam Fox, a former defence secretary, who is a medical doctor, is expected to be re-appointed to cabinet. A possibility is head of the Brexit negotiating division or the Foreign or Health ministry.

David Davis, a former Home Office secretary who favoured Brexit and supported Mrs May in her leadership bid, has excellent business experience and could well be involved in Brexit negotiations. Gisela Stuart, a Labour opposition MP who impressively campaigned for Brexit, may also be offered a position in the Brexit negotiating department. Surprisingly the press and politicians have not mentioned John Redwood, a former secretary for Wales, Brexit supporter and former director of NM Rothschild, who has exceptional City experience.

The key negotiation is whether it will be possible for Britain to have access to the single market without conceding free movement of people? If not, what will be the compromise?

Amber Rudd, Energy Secretary, could make history as the UK's first female defence secretary, according to the Tory press. Jeremy Hunt, current Secretary of State for Health , could be shunted into another position. Michael Fallon, Defence Secretary, is tipped as a possible leader of the Commons.