Theresa May might consider the following quote, “While seeking revenge dig two graves – one for yourself.”

Remember when Michael Gove had to apologise to David Cameron because of a row over Islamic extremism with Theresa May? Well if you don’t let me just give your memory a quick jog by referring you to this article in the telegraph here .

2014 seems an eternity away now but it’s worth noting a couple of things about the article and how one particular player in that drama, not Theresa May, is now in a very powerful position. Miss Cunningham, as she then was, was Mrs May’s closest colleague and special adviser. She was forced to resign after briefing against Mr Gove after Gove had, by way of ‘anonymous’ source, leaked a story to The Times criticising Miss Cunningham’s then partner Charles Farr. Farr was counter terrorism adviser to Mrs May. Mr Gove accused Farr of failing to ‘drain the swamp’ of extremists and criticised him generally. As the article indicates Mrs May tried to defend the then Miss Cunningham and save her job without success. The then Miss Cunningham was forced to resign.

First, Miss Cunningham is now Mrs Hill and she is Prime Minister May’s Joint Chief of Staff. This position is one of the most powerful positions in Downing Street and thus the British Government.

Second, since becoming Prime Minister Mrs May has culled many capable and talented ministers most notable of which is Mr Gove who was was unceremoniously sacked from his position as Justice Secretary, a role for which he had received much praise from liberals and conservatives alike. Important work is left to do there on reform and tackling radicalisation in prisons. It cannot be that Mrs May is averse to leaving Ministers in situ when she left Hunt as health minister. Not only was Gove sacked but George Osborne was given short shrift with barely so much as a bye or leave. Dominic Raab a hugely talented minister in the justice department also lost his job, he had supported Gove in his leadership campaign.  According to the Mail here Raab’s comment that feminists are ‘obnoxious bigots’ may have done for him.  Other capable Camaroons also ruthlessly culled were Oliver Lewin and Ed Vaizey.

One can only conclude that revenge played a part in at least Gove and Raab’s ‘sackings’,  more time may be needed to ascertain the reasons for so many. But to have dispensed with so many talented and effective ministers does not bode well.