Julian Smith sacked as NI Secretary of State
His departure comes just weeks after brokering the deal which restored powersharing at Stormont.
Julian Smith became the first casualty of Boris Johnson's Government reshuffle after being unceremoniously dumped from the Northern Ireland Office.
His departure comes just weeks after brokering the deal which restored the powersharing administration in Stormont.
Mr Smith said it had been “the biggest privilege'' to serve the people of Northern Ireland and he was “extremely grateful'' to have been given the chance to serve this amazing part of our country''.
Mr Smith was called in to see the Prime Minister in his Commons office as the reshuffle began.
The Prime Minister intends to “promote a generation of talent'” in a reshuffle aimed at preparing the Tories for the future.
Arlene Foster, the leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, paid tribute to Julian Smith following his sacking, saying his dedication to the role was “incredible”.