Sajid Javid takes over from Hammond as Chancellor of the Exchequer

In one of the first ministerial appointments as prime minister, Boris Johnson announced Sajid Javid will take Philip Hammond’s place as the Chancellor of the Exchequer, with Rishi Sunak to fill the number two seat at the Treasury.

Mr Hammond resigned as Chancellor on 24 July, saying that he could not serve in a cabinet that may lead to a no deal Brexit.

Prior to a role in the Treasury, Mr Javid was home secretary under PM Theresa May, and a Treasury minister from 2012-14.

Following his appointment, Mr Javid said on Twitter: “Good to be back in @HMTreasury and meet the team. We’ve got a lot to do, starting with full preparation for Brexit on 31 October – deal or no-deal”.

The remainder of Mr Johnson’s cabinet consists predominantly of Brexit hardliners, with a common mission to leave the EU on or before 31 October.

In his first Commons statement as PM, Mr Johnson announced he would throw himself into Brexit negotiations with energy. But despite stressing the importance of preparing for a no deal Brexit, Mr Johnson said that he would prefer to leave with an agreement, adding that he will work “flat out” to see it happen.

He added that Britain could be the most prosperous economy in Europe by 2050, a feat that would mean drawing far ahead of France and then overtaking Germany.

EU response 

The European Commission has congratulated Mr Johnson on his appointment and reaffirmed its commitment to “working together in the best possible way.”

"President Juncker listened to what Prime Minister Johnson had to say, reiterating the EU’s position that the Withdrawal Agreement is the best and only agreement possible – in line with the European Council guidelines," said an EC spokesperson.

The EC also disclosed that Mr Juncker and Mr Johnson have “exchanged mobile phone numbers and agreed to remain in touch”.

"President Juncker reiterated that the Commission remains available over the coming weeks should the United Kingdom wish to hold talks and clarify its position in more detail."