Sacked Cabinet minister Julian Smith: 'My future plans are going to the pub'

Britain's Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Julian Smith is seen outside 10 Downing Street London, Britain, January 21, 2020. REUTERS/Henry Nicholls
Former Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith says his future plans after losing his Cabinet post are "things like going to the pub". (Picture: REUTERS/Henry Nicholls)

A sacked Cabinet minister has revealed what he plans to do after losing his job in Thursday’s reshuffle - go to the pub.

Julian Smith was one of the scalps claimed by Boris Johnson’s reshuffle as he was replaced as Northern Ireland Secretary by Brandon Lewis.

Speaking to Sky News on Friday, Smith wished his successor the best of luck in the role and revealed what his plans are now he’s lost his Cabinet role.

“I think my future plans are things like going to the pub,” said the Skipton and Ripon MP.

“I’m now going to my constituency but I wish the new Cabinet, new Secretary of State, all the best of luck.”

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Smith also shared an anecdote about a constituency school visit in which a child quizzed him about Boris Johnson.

He wrote: “Constituency school visits almost always hit the nail on the head. Today no exception”, describing how the child had asked him if he knew the Prime Minister.

When he replied that he did, it prompted the pupil to ask when he had last met Johnson and when he said Thursday, the pupil asked: “Really! How was it?”

Smith, referring to the fact he had been sacked from his role during that meeting, said he replied: “Er, er, er… great, it was just great.”