Prime Minister Boris Johnson promoted a new UK Secretary of State for Work and Pensions barely a day after the surprise resignation of Amber Rudd, the previous secretary.
New head Térèse Coffey has worked for the government since 2015, according to her Parliamentary biography page. She started as deputy leader of the House of Commons, then became Parliamentary under secretary of state at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs before becoming minister of state at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, her last role.
Prior to politics, she worked at Mars. Her last non-political gig was as a finance director for its UK subsidiary, Mars Drinks.
Rudd abruptly quit her job Saturday in protest of Johnson’s handling of Brexit, specifically his decision to expel 21 Tory members of Parliament who refused to vote on his strategy. Coffey was promoted Sunday. Prior to her resignation, Rudd accused the prime minister of “political vandalism,” believing he is apathetic in reaching a deal with the European Union.
Despite the controversy surrounding Rudd’s exit. Her and Coffey appeared to be cordial about the news on social media.
“Congratulations to my good friend @theresecoffey on her appointment as Secretary of State @DWP,” Rudd Tweeted. “I know she will do an excellent job in a first rate department.”
“Huge thanks Amber and you will be a hard act to follow,” Coffey replied.
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Tags: Amber Rudd, Boris Johnson, Brexit, Pension, Therese Coffey, UK