Menu
13/02/2020
PM Sacks NI Secretary Julian Smith
Northern Ireland Secretary of State Julian Smith has been sacked by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
A key figure in the restoration of power sharing, Mr Smith was widely perceived as a strong secretary.
He lasted 204 days in the role after succeeding Karen Bradley in July 2019.
It's understood the MP was removed from his position early this morning, Thursday 13, as the Prime Minister reshuffles his cabinet.
Mr Smith tweeted: "Serving the people of Northern Ireland has been the biggest privilege. I am extremely grateful to Boris Johnson for giving me the chance to serve this amazing part of our country. The warmth and support from people across NI has been incredible. Thank you so much."
A replacement has not yet been announced.
The outgoing secretary was an integral figure to the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland last month, along with the Irish government.
SDLP Leader and new MP Colum Eastwood was among those to pay him tribute. He wrote on Twitter: "Thank you @JulianSmithUK for your tireless commitment to devolution, for the work you've done for victims of historical institutional abuse & for securing much needed resource for Derry.
"Sacking the most successful SoS in a decade shows Johnson's dangerous indifference to us."
The decision is so far proving unpopular among local politicians, as well as campaigners for victims of historical abuse, who welcomed the MP for Skipton and Ripon's action to provide long-awaited compensation through Parliament.
DUP Leader Arlene Foster added her well-wishes on Twitter, writing: "Spoke with @JulianSmithUK a short time ago to thank him for his help in getting devolution restored. We may not have always agreed (we did sometimes) but his dedication to the role was incredible. Best wishes to him and his family. Always welcome in Fermanagh."
Whoever is next to fill the role will be the region's fourth secretary in under four years.
(JG/CM)
A key figure in the restoration of power sharing, Mr Smith was widely perceived as a strong secretary.
He lasted 204 days in the role after succeeding Karen Bradley in July 2019.
It's understood the MP was removed from his position early this morning, Thursday 13, as the Prime Minister reshuffles his cabinet.
Mr Smith tweeted: "Serving the people of Northern Ireland has been the biggest privilege. I am extremely grateful to Boris Johnson for giving me the chance to serve this amazing part of our country. The warmth and support from people across NI has been incredible. Thank you so much."
A replacement has not yet been announced.
The outgoing secretary was an integral figure to the return of devolved government in Northern Ireland last month, along with the Irish government.
SDLP Leader and new MP Colum Eastwood was among those to pay him tribute. He wrote on Twitter: "Thank you @JulianSmithUK for your tireless commitment to devolution, for the work you've done for victims of historical institutional abuse & for securing much needed resource for Derry.
"Sacking the most successful SoS in a decade shows Johnson's dangerous indifference to us."
The decision is so far proving unpopular among local politicians, as well as campaigners for victims of historical abuse, who welcomed the MP for Skipton and Ripon's action to provide long-awaited compensation through Parliament.
DUP Leader Arlene Foster added her well-wishes on Twitter, writing: "Spoke with @JulianSmithUK a short time ago to thank him for his help in getting devolution restored. We may not have always agreed (we did sometimes) but his dedication to the role was incredible. Best wishes to him and his family. Always welcome in Fermanagh."
Whoever is next to fill the role will be the region's fourth secretary in under four years.
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
25 June 2001
SECRETARY OF STATE TAKES TOUGH STANCE
SECRETARY of State, Dr John Reid, has suspended the licence of prominent Shankill loyalist Gary Smith. Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
SECRETARY OF STATE TAKES TOUGH STANCE
SECRETARY of State, Dr John Reid, has suspended the licence of prominent Shankill loyalist Gary Smith. Mr Smith, released in September 1999 under the Good Friday Agreement early release scheme, was arrested on Monday, was taken to Maghaberry Prison were fellow loyalist prisoner Johnny Adair is currently being held.
21 March 2018
MLA Salaries Expected To Be Debated At Westminster
MLA's salaries are expected to be debated at Westminster on Wednesday, 21 March. Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley is seeking legal power to reduce politicians' wages after the collapse of the Executive. Earlier this month, Mrs Bradley said she was "minded" to reduce their pay by 27.5%.
MLA Salaries Expected To Be Debated At Westminster
MLA's salaries are expected to be debated at Westminster on Wednesday, 21 March. Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley is seeking legal power to reduce politicians' wages after the collapse of the Executive. Earlier this month, Mrs Bradley said she was "minded" to reduce their pay by 27.5%.
05 January 2006
Former NI Secretary of State Lord Merlyn-Rees dies
Former Labour Home Secretary and Northern Ireland Secretary Lord Merlyn-Rees has died in a London hospital aged 85. The labour politician had lapsed into a coma as the result of several falls from which he never recovered. He entered the Commons in 1962 where he served under the governments of both Harold Wilson and James Callaghan.
Former NI Secretary of State Lord Merlyn-Rees dies
Former Labour Home Secretary and Northern Ireland Secretary Lord Merlyn-Rees has died in a London hospital aged 85. The labour politician had lapsed into a coma as the result of several falls from which he never recovered. He entered the Commons in 1962 where he served under the governments of both Harold Wilson and James Callaghan.
04 September 2012
Villiers Replaces Paterson As NI Secretary
Owen Paterson has left the post of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and will be replaced by former transport minister Theresa Villiers. Ms Villiers, who is the Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet, comes to the position in the first cabinet reshuffle since the coalition government came to power in 2010.
Villiers Replaces Paterson As NI Secretary
Owen Paterson has left the post of Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and will be replaced by former transport minister Theresa Villiers. Ms Villiers, who is the Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet, comes to the position in the first cabinet reshuffle since the coalition government came to power in 2010.
12 June 2001
BLAIR NAMES NEW NI MINISTERIAL TEAM
AS part of Tony Blair’s cabinet reshuffle two new ministers have been appointed to the Northern Ireland Office to work under Secretary of State John Reid.
BLAIR NAMES NEW NI MINISTERIAL TEAM
AS part of Tony Blair’s cabinet reshuffle two new ministers have been appointed to the Northern Ireland Office to work under Secretary of State John Reid.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Apart from a little patchy drizzle it will be a dry evening and night with variable amounts of cloud. A few mist and fog patches forming. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
