Micael Gove could be promoted to Home Secretary as Boris Johnson finds himself frustrated with Priti Patel’s performance in the role, according to reports.
The Prime Minister is unhappy with the number of people making the life-threatening journey over the Channel in small boats, with PA data finding more than 10,000 people have completed the journey this year.Downing Street says the crossings are “unacceptable” but has faced accusations of failing to have a proper plan in place.
The UK Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill, which makes knowingly arriving in the UK without permission a criminal offence, passed its second reading before parliamentary recess.
Priti Patel’s legislation will give Border Force officers powers to turn around boats carrying migrants and use “reasonable force, if necessary”. Sources told the Daily Mail that despite this imminent law change, the Prime Minister is unhappy with the Home Secretary’s work. They claimed Johnson told one minister: “What the f*** is the Home Office doing? When is she going to sort this out?”
The source added: “Michael and Boris are close again – with Rishi [Sunak, the Chancellor] starting to flex his muscles in Cabinet more, it is useful for Boris to have Michael back as an ally. The Home Office is a demanding job, but Michael has the brain power and the work ethic to cope with it.”
A source close to Gove told the newspaper that he is “totally focused” on his work in the Cabinet Office, which involves “strengthening the Union”.
A spokesperson for Number 10 said: “We don’t comment on reshuffle speculation.”
Obviously, rumours are flying now that BJ has finally realised, despite his “fondness” for her, that Priti “Useless” Patel just isn’t up to the job … 
