In the latest moves to assemble a Cabinet following the Conservatives’ election victory, Cameron promoted Clark – who had been cities minister in the last government as well as holding the universities and science briefs – to lead DCLG.
Pickles is expected to leave the Cabinet, but will be given an anti-corruption role in government.
Among other announcements made today, former government whip Greg Hands has been named Chief Secretary to the Treasury, while former business minister Matt Hancock has been appointed Cabinet Office minister, replacing Francis Maude who stepped down at the election. Another Cabinet Office minister, Oliver Letwin, will take overall charge of the department.
Cameron also announced that a number of cabinet places would remain unchanged.
As well as confirming Iain Duncan Smith would continue as work and pensions secretary and that Chancellor George Osborne would not be moved, the prime minister also said Jeremy Hunt would remain as health secretary.
In addition, Patrick McLoughlin will continue as transport secretary and Liz Truss will also stay on as environment secretary.
Justine Greening has also been reconfirmed as international development secretary, and Theresa Villiers as Northern Ireland secretary.
In a new post Anna Soubry, a former minister in both the Department of Health and the Ministry of Defence in the last parliament, has been appointed minister of state for small business. She will attend Cabinet in this role, Cameron announced.
- The prime minister has also appointed Mark Francois as a minister in the Department for Communities and Local Government.
