Anna Soubry becomes second senior Conservative to refuse job under new Justice Secretary Liz Truss as rebellion grows
There is anger that the 40-year-old high flier was given the major Cabinet job despite having no legal experience
A SECOND senior Tory has refused to serve under new Justice Secretary Liz Truss as a rebellion against her grows.
There is anger that the 40-year-old high flyer was given the major Cabinet job – as well as the title of Lord Chancellor – despite having no legal experience.
The Sun can reveal that former Business Minister Anna Soubry refused the PM’s request to be Miss Truss’s Number Two as her minister of state in the department.
Ms Soubry has told friends the job offer was “an insult”, as she is almost 20 years older than Ms Truss and worked as a criminal barrister for 15 years.
Her government walk out followed Lord Faulks' decision to resign from his post as a justice minister also because of Ms Truss’s appointment.
Branding her promotion “damaging to the justice system”, Lord Faulks – who is also a QC – added: “I have nothing against Ms Truss personally.
“But is she going to have the clout to be able to stand up to the Prime Minister when necessary, on behalf of the judges?”
The Sun can also reveal that Mrs May’s reshuffle was not as ruthless as it first appeared, as a number of other former ministers weren’t sacked but instead refused to serve in Mrs May’s government after feeling snubbed.
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As well as Ms Soubry, they included David Cameron’s Chief Whip Mark Harper, who turned down a mid-ranking minister’s job when it meant losing his Cabinet berth.
High flier Dominic Raab, another ex-justice minister, also turned down a sideways move to the International Trade Ministry after failing to win a promotion.
Downing Street was forced to defend Ms Truss’s appointment tonight.
The PM’s official spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister clearly has absolutely confidence in Liz Truss to do her job.
“A number of previous Justice Secretaries have come from different backgrounds.
“The PM believes she will do an excellent job.”
Crossbench peer Lord Pannick QC also defended Ms Truss, saying: “There is as yet no reason to doubt that she will not take seriously her statutory duties under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 to protect the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.”
Sacked former Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin today revealed he will be standing down as an MP.
A favourite of David Cameron, Mr Letwin - who developed a reputation for bungling - was fired by Mrs May last week.