Michael Gove will leave his job as Education Secretary in a major reshuffle of the top jobs in Government.
The 46-year-old, a controversial figure among teachers, has been swapped to the role of Commons Chief Whip - a move described as "definitely a demotion" by Sky's Political Editor Adam Boulton.
David Cameron had been expected to promote more women into key posts ahead of next year's General Election.
The first to secure a high-profile role was Nicky Morgan from Financial Secretary to the Treasury and Minister for Women to fill the vacancy left by Mr Gove.
It is a rapid rise for an MP who has only held a seat in the House of Commons for four years.
Liz Truss, also only an MP since 2010, also secures promotion, moving from Education Minister to Environment Secretary to replace Owen Paterson, who became a familiar face during the flooding crisis over the winter.
Esther McVey, another of the 2010 intake, had been tipped for a move but remains as Employment Minister, although she has been told she will now attend Cabinet.
The wide-ranging reshuffle also sees the shock departure of William Hague, who has stepped down as Foreign Secretary.
The 53-year-old will become Leader of the House Of Commons before standing down as an MP at the next General Election in 2015.
He is replaced by outgoing Defence Secretary Philip Hammond, whose job has been taken by Michael Fallon.
Sky's Political Correspondent Sophy Ridge said: "When they said this would be a significant reshuffle, they actually meant it."
A Downing Street spokesman said Mr Hague would help to coordinate government policy and become a "leading campaigner in key constituencies, particularly in the north of England".
He will also be the Prime Minister's special representative on preventing sexual violence in conflict, following his work with UN special envoy and Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie.
Meanwhile, Ken Clarke is retiring from Government and other high-profile Tory MPs have emerged as casualties of the reshuffle, including Policing Minister Damian Green and Attorney General Dominic Grieve QC.
Mr Clarke, 74, is stepping down as minister without portfolio, bringing to an end a front bench career stretching back to 1972.
Speaking shortly after Mr Hague announced his departure, the Prime Minister said: "Mr Hague has been one of the leading lights of the Conservative Party for a generation, leading the party and serving in two cabinets.
"Not only has he been a first class Foreign Secretary, he has also been a close confidante, a wise counsellor and a great friend."
Mr Hague said there was a "balance to strike between experience on the one hand and the need for renewal on the other".
"Renewal in politics is good and holding office is not an end in itself," he said.
"After 26 years as an MP, the time will be right for me to move on."
Welsh Secretary David Jones has been replaced by Stephen Crabb and Transport Minister Stephen Hammond and Minister for Civil Society Nick Hurd are also out.
International Development Minister Alan Duncan is standing down at his own request, while Universities Minister David Willetts has also stood down and has been replaced by Greg Clark.
Boulton said: "It's the biggest upheaval in David Cameron's government since he came to power in 2010.
"He is clearly cutting out a lot of, as people are saying, 'pale, male and stale' ministers.
"A lot of them are, frankly, thought to be doing quite good jobs in their ministerial positions."
https://uk.news.yahoo.com/william-hague-steps-down-foreign-secretary-210430613.html
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