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MARCH 'OUT' OF THE WOMEN

Two female ministers resign and Theresa May sacks another in reshuffle

Despite backing May for Conservative leadership Anna Soubrey was sacked as Business Minister

THREE prominent female ministers became the latest casualties of Theresa May’s reshuffle yesterday.

Rail Minister Claire Perry, quit — despite the new regime being billed as the “March of the Women”.

 Claire Perry resigned as rail minister
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Claire Perry resigned as rail minister

Ms Perry had earlier told MPs falling on her sword would not resolve the chaos surrounding Southern Rail.

She said: “I don’t like failure. This feels like failure.”

Anna Soubry was sacked from a Cabinet post as Business Minister, then quit rather than take a lesser role.

Ms Soubry had backed Mrs May for the leadership.

 Anna Soubry... no longer Business Minister
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Anna Soubry... no longer Business MinisterCredit: PA Archive/Press Association Ima

Late last night No10 also confirmed  Pensions Minister Ros Altmann had left.

In her resignation letter, Altmann was critical of the Government and cited Brexit as a contributory factor.

 Baroness Ros Altmann resigned from her post
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Baroness Ros Altmann resigned from her postCredit: PA

She wrote: "As a minister, I have tried to drive positive long-term changes on pensions from within Government and ameliorate some of the past mistakes which I have cautioned against.

"Unfortunately over the past year, short-term political considerations, exacerbated by the EU referendum, have inhibited good policy-making.

"As the country heads into uncharted waters, I would urge you and your new team to enable my successor to address some of the major policy reforms that are needed to improve pensions for the future."

As part of her cabinet reshuffle, Theresa May had earlier sacked chancellor George Osborne and Justice Secretary Michael Gove, while Boris Johnson was surprisingly appointed as foreign secretary.

The first full meeting of the new Cabinet will be held early next week.

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