David Cameron will tell his Cabinet the Conservatives are the “real party for working people” as he meets with his most senior ministers for the first time.
The prime minister will meet with his newly constructed Cabinet for the first time following days of appointments and changes, including promoting a number of female MPs.
As well as outlining his hopes for what he described as “blue-collar Conservatism”, Cameron will also tell his cabinet of his plans to lower the cap benefits at £23,000 and to introduce a bill increasing free childcare for three and four-year-olds to 30 hours a week.
The Prime Minister will also outline measures aimed at creating two million jobs, which will be at the heart of the Queen’s Speech.
“I want everyone around this table to remember who we’re for,” the Tory leader will say to his first Conservative-only team, which includes many familiar faces after his post-election reshuffle.
“Every decision we take, every policy we pursue, every programme we initiate, never forget: we’re here to give everyone in our country the chance to make the most of their life.
“The pundits might call it ‘Blue Collar Conservatism’, others being on the side of hard-working taxpayers.
“I call it being the real party for working people: giving everyone in our country the chance to get on, with the dignity of a job, the pride of a pay-cheque, a home of their own and the security and peace of mind that comes from being able to support a family.
“And just as important – for those that can’t work, the support they need at every stage of their lives.”
The reshuffle saw the most senior jobs remain in the same hands, with Theresa May staying on as Home Secretary, Philip Hammond as Foreign Secretary, George Osborne as Chancellor and Michael Fallon as Defence Secretary.
Amber Rudd was named as the new secretary of state for energy and climate change, with Priti Patel promoted from a junior role at the Treasury to become the new minister of state for employment at the Department for Work and pensions (DWP).
Anna Soulbry has also been drafted into Cameron’s Cabinet as the new minister of state for small business.
Elsewhere, Sajid Jasvid was named the new business secretary, John Whittingdale as new secretary of state for culture, media and sport and Greg Hands was appointed chief secretary to the Treasury.
Boris Johnson will attend the Cabinet meetings as a minister without portfolio, but focus his attention on his final year as mayor of London.