Sajid Javid could be a likely replacement for Rishi Sunak as the Chancellor becomes shrouded in scandal over Partygate, his financial affairs and his response to the cost-of-living crisis.
Political scientist John Curtice said if Boris Johnson was to move Mr Sunak for anybody, Health Secretary Mr Javid would be “one obvious potential contender”.
Mr Javid resigned as Chancellor in early 2020 after the Prime Minister demanded he sack all of his advisors.
This comes as Mr Sunak and Mr Johnson have been issued fines for breaches of Covid-19 regulations following the police probe into allegations of lockdown parties held at Downing Street.
The Chancellor issued an “unreserved apology” adding in a statement he understands “that for figures in public office, the rules must be applied stringently in order to maintain public confidence".
Sir John Curtice
GB News
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak
Kirsty O'Connor
But they resisted calls for their resignations – insisting they were keen to now get on with the job.
Sir John told GB News: “The original row that led to Mr Javid resigning now seems to be put to bed and one suspects that while Javid is no fiscal liberal, he might be somewhat more flexible than Rishi Sunak has been."
It’s been reported that Mr Javid is currently looking for more money for health services and, unlike the Chancellor, want to keeping free Covid-19 testing for longer.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Sajid Javid
Stefan Rousseau
Sir John continued: “So, maybe going back to Sajid Javid is the one move Boris Johnson could make that would not expose him to the criticism he loses chancellors and falls out with chancellors too often.”
Mr Sunak also faced calls to resign following the disclosure that his wife, Akshata Murty, was non domiciled in the UK for tax purposes.
It has been estimated that her non-dom status could have saved her £20million in taxes on dividends from her shares in Infosys, an Indian IT company founded by her father.
Labour accused Mr Sunak of hypocrisy, saying his family was saving tens of millions of pounds as a result of the arrangement while he was putting up taxes for millions of others.
MP Claudia Webbe was one to condemned Mr Sunak for failing to resign after "breaking the law".
She wrote: "The Prime Minister and the Chancellor broke the law. Police initially failed to investigate but later did so, issuing a fine to each during Parliament’s recess!
"The PM apologised saying he didn’t realise he broke the law he created. No one has yet resigned, you’re now up to date!"
