As David Cameron unveiled the first Tory-only cabinet in 18 years yesterday, it was revealed that Grant Shapps – the former party chairman – has been “demoted to the lesser role” of minister of state at the Department for International Development (DfID).
I see @grantshapps is now pursuing further employment. Or is this just another alter ego? Mr Tumble-From-Favour? pic.twitter.com/Qo5E8trpkz
— GeorgeMonbiot (@GeorgeMonbiot) May 12, 2015
Many on Twitter were quick to make jokes about his re-appointment, referencing the pre-election revelations of Shapps – or someone acting on his behalf – editing his Wikipedia page along with the entries of Tory rivals and political opponents.
Disappointingly Grant Shapps's new job is not yet recorded on his wikipedia page http://t.co/7TovZc4v2x
— Ian Katz (@iankatz1000) May 11, 2015
Anyone else see the #reshuffle yesterday? Not sure where @grantshapps went. pic.twitter.com/0gWsf35081
— Want Some Studio (@wantsomestudio) May 12, 2015
Hang on. This Farage regeneration business. Has anyone seen Shapps?
— fleetstreetfox (@fleetstreetfox) May 11, 2015
Others mocked his business activities as Michael Green, the self-styled millionaire web marketer...
"Hi, foreign country. I'm Grant Shapps, the new Minister for International Development and I can show you how to get rich in 10 easy steps."
— David Schneider (@davidschneider) May 11, 2015
Grant Shapps issues new white paper on International Development: "OMG! The Ten Poorest Countries in the world. No 7 will change your life!"
— Andy Lewis (@lecanardnoir) May 12, 2015
... and his track record ...
Hey, remember when @GrantShapps was housing minister and now no-one can afford to buy a house? Good luck, the developing world.
— Rufous (@rufous) May 12, 2015
... or just mocked him in general.
The first all Tory cabinet meeting for 18 years. The wretched and pitiful face of Grant Shapps pressed up against the window.
— Carl Maxim (@carlmaxim) May 12, 2015
But what does the development community make of his appointment, or “demotion”? One NGO insider contacted us to ask why DfID was always used as some kind of government “naughty step”, pointing out that Justine Greening’s appointment back in 2012 was also seen as a “demotion”. Here’s what you said:
Always a surprise who ends up at @DFID_UK...Just wish it wasn't always seen as a demotion! @GuardianGDP @grantshapps http://t.co/4e9RlJqd3l
— Jessica Toale (@jjtoale) May 12, 2015
@GuardianGDP Certainly an interesting choice. Cameron seems to put people he trusts into position e.g. @DesmondSwayne (former PPS to PM)
— Billy Hill (@campaignbill) May 12, 2015
@GuardianGDP Oh dear. "Bingo!" Is not how I'd greet this news. A demotion for the whole department. @fp2p @viewfromthecave
— Brendan J Rigby (@bjrigby) May 12, 2015
Hope Cons Manifesto promise 'brighter more secure future' extends to world's poorest people @GuardianGDP @fp2p @viewfromthecave @bjrigby
— Margaret Batty (@MargaretBatty) May 12, 2015
• This article was amended on 13 May 2015. An earlier version misnamed the Department of International Development, rather than the Department for International Development.
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