Amber Rudd’s time out in the cold in Westminster has ended after Theresa May today appointed her as the new Work and Pensions Secretary.
The former Home Secretary called it quits in that role in April under mounting pressure over the Windrush Scandal, although an inquiry into her departure earlier this month found that she had been “let down by officials”.
Confirmed Rudd to DWP
— Laura Kuenssberg (@bbclaurak) November 16, 2018
But after Esther McVey resigned from the cabinet in protest at the Prime Minister’s Brexit deal, Rudd has taken on her role, which includes the unenviable task of managing the troubled Universal Credit.
Rudd was a Remain supporter in 2016’s Brexit referendum, but has backed Theresa May’s draft Brexit agreement this week, claiming “perfect was never on offer”.
The appointment comes hours after the government and the controversial benefits system were slammed in UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights Philip Alston’s interim report into life on the breadline in Britain.
