Fresh faces: Gavin Williamson and 6 other rising Tory stars

The old generation of Conservative MPs is slowly being whittled away. Michael Fallon’s departure from the cabinet and Gavin Williamson’s promotion shows that time is running out for the old guard. Here are seven Conservative MPs that were first elected in 2010 alongside Britain’s new defence secretary.

1. Gavin Williamson

The former PPS to David Cameron turned chief whip turned defence secretary has long been seen as a rising figure in the Conservative party, and has now achieved a major political breakthrough. His promotion to defence secretary, replacing Michael Fallon, has surprised many, and has left commentators wondering: is it a stepping stone to an even bigger job?

2. Nicky Morgan

Britain’s former education secretary and ex-minister for women and equalities was also first elected in 2010. Like Williamson, she has risen rapidly in the Conservative party, however, her political career suffered a set-back after her departure from the cabinet following May’s ascension to the country’s top job in 2017. However, she now chairs the Treasury Select Committee. Could she one day return to cabinet?

3. Claire Perry

Perry was first elected as the MP for the seat of Devizes, and has increased her vote-share at each subsequent election. In 2014, she became the parliamentary under-secretary of state for transport, and was promoted to the role of climate change and energy minister following June’s snap election.

4. Matthew Hancock

Hancock is another Tory MP to have risen rapidly inside his party. Since 2013, he has held six different ministerial portfolios, and currently serves as the country’s minister for digital and culture. Could he be one to watch in the future?

5. Jo Johnson

Johnson is often overlooked due to his brother’s dominating political presence, but Jo Johnson is one Conservative MP to watch. In 2013, he became director of the Number 10 policy unit, and in 2015 he was made minister for universities and science, a position he held on to in both of May’s reshuffles. While all eyes are on Boris, Jo is making a quiet ascent.

6. Dominic Raab

Raab represents the seat of Esher and Walton, and currently serves as the minister for courts and justice following a brief spell on the back-benches. This was preceded by time spent as the parliamentary under-secretary for civil liberties during Cameron’s majority government. Is he on his way to the top?

7. Robert Haflon

Haflon has served in a variety of government roles, but now sits as the chair of the education select committee. Under David Cameron’s leadership, he served as George Osborne’s PPS, and was most recently the minister for skills. His time in that job ended following June’s snap election. Could he make a come back?

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