Summary

  • Gavin Williamson is named as new defence secretary

  • Julian Smith promoted to be new chief whip

  • Esther McVey becomes deputy chief whip

  • No further appointments expected

  • Sir Michael Fallon resigned on Wednesday evening

Live Reporting

Brian Wheeler and Alex Hunt

  1. Announcement coming soon

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  2. Widespread reshuffle not expected

    The BBC's political editor Laura Kuenssberg says the prime minister is not expected to carry out the widespread cabinet reshuffle some have been demanding.

    Sir Michael Fallon's replacement is likely to come from the ranks of junior ministers or as a result of a sideways move for an existing cabinet member, she says.

    It is not just a question of finding a suitable defence secretary, Theresa May has to try to preserve the delicate political balance of the cabinet to avoid undermining her own position.

  3. Awaiting the new defence secretary

    Welcome to our rolling text and video coverage of events at Westminster as the prime minister prepares to announce a new defence secretary to replace Sir Michael Fallon.

    Sir Michael quit on Wednesday evening, saying his conduct had "fallen short" of the required standards after allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour.