Michael Gove has been removed as education secretary by David Cameron, in a dramatic cabinet reshuffle that also saw William Hague quit as foreign secretary.
Gove has been moved to become the chief whip, charged with keeping Conservative MPs in line. The prime minister said Gove would also have "an enhanced role in campaigning and doing broadcast media interviews" as the 2015 general election draws near.
The move is notionally a demotion for Gove, who was less than popular with teachers. However with most of his education reforms in place, he may be happy to take a bigger role in party strategy and election planning.
Women are among the winners in the reshuffle. In a meteoric rise, Nicky Morgan has been moved from the Treasury to replace Gove as education secretary. And Liz Truss has been appointed environment secretary, replacing Owen Paterson.
For all the talk of women being promoted I notice Cameron hasn't yet replaced Iain Duncan Smith with Esther McVey.
