Boris Johnson 'could be axed as foreign secretary after election'

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson could be the victim of a Cabinet reshuffle if Prime Minister Theresa May secures a big majority at the general election, according to reports.

Johnson is seen as one of the chief architects of the Vote Leave campaign and was promoted to Foreign Secretary following the Brexit referendum last June, having been one of the few Conservatives to rebel against the government's pro-Remain stance.

However, allies of the politician have told The Telegraph that "clouds are gathering" and they are "worried" for his future.

"If she [May] has a massive majority, she may not need him," a Conservative source told the newspaper.

"Boris selling Brexit might not work any more – if she has a massive majority, she sells Brexit."

May swerves Boris question

The prime minister failed to rule out that Johnson could face the axe if she secures a bigger majority in the House of Commons, which would be seen as a vote of confidence in her ability to negotiate Brexit.

She told The Telegraph: "Boris is doing a great job, and Boris and I and every Conservative candidate will be out there across the country fighting to win this election for the future of our country."

The report comes after speculation Johnson was being sidelined during the election campaign.

However, he made a number of media appearances on Thursday (27 April), when he accused Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn of being a "mutton-headed old mugwump".

Johnson also claimed May would find it "difficult" to refuse a request from US President Donald Trump if Britain was to be asked to support taking military action in Syria.

May, however, did not give Johnson's claim any credence when asked.

"This is a hypothetical issue because there is no proposal on the table for further strikes in Syria," she said.

"What is important is that we look to see how we can bring about a solution in Syria that is going to lead to a strong and stable Syria."