Priti Patel has lost the security minister brief at the Home Office less than 24 hours after she reportedly took it over on a “permanent footing”.
The government has been without a security minister for a month after James Brokenshire stepped down for health reasons, and had not filled the crucial position with another MP.
Ms Patel, the Home Secretary, was this morning reported to have personally taken charge of the brief following wrangling about who should replace Mr Brokenshire.
A Home Office spokesperson, asked if Ms Patel was now holding the security minister brief, said: “The home secretary is responsible for all areas of Home Office business, including those related to national security.”
But on Friday evening Downing Street announced: “The Queen has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP as a Minister of State (Minister for Security) in the Home Office.”
The security minister holds an extensive brief, with responsibilities including counter-terrorism, serious and organised crime, extradition, cybercrime, economic crime, hostile state activity, and royal and VIP protection. It also covers natural disaster relief and online harms.
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