Jeremy Hunt accidentally ‘liked’ a tweet about Justine Greening quitting the cabinet
THE tweet was widely shared online but the Tory quickly posted his own statement claiming it was nothing but a simple mistake
JEREMY Hunt apologised after he "accidentally" liked a tweet about Justine Greening quitting the government.
The Health Secretary, who refused to leave his post in a tough day for Theresa May, was seen to have clicked the "Like" button on a tweet by a political journalist mentioning how his party colleague was no longer part of the government.
In an embarrassing gaffe, Hunt liked a tweet which read: "BREAKING: Justine Greening has quit the government."
The same journalist, who writes for political blog Guido, then posted a grab of Mr Hunt liking the comment with the word "Ouch".
Hunt, who was kept on despite rumours swirling that he would be moved to another part of the government swiftly moved to quell fears he was taking pleasure in Greening quitting, posting: "‘Like button pressed by accident.
"Justine was an excellent minister and will be a great loss to govt."
Greening was offered the Department for Work and Pensions, but instead walked out of the Government after a two hour, 15 minute stand off with the PM inside No10.
The PM’s official spokesman described her decision to carry out the reshuffle as “an opportunity to refresh the government and give added impetus to the Prime Minister’s reform agenda”.
The reshuffle threatened to descend into total farce just moments after it begun at 11am.
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The Conservative Party’s official Twitter account announced that Transport Chris Grayling had been appointed Chairman.
But the tweet – which even included a snap of Mr Grayling to congratulate him - was deleted 27 seconds later, after being shared by thousands of MPs and activists.
Insiders blamed the party’s brand new political director Iain Carter for posting it, having fallen victim to gossip overheard from No10 staffers.