Following her latest reshuffle of ministers, Prime Minister, Theresa May, claimed her new Government team had become more diverse and would ensure it “looks more like the country it serves”.

The exercise at the beginning of the New Year was said to be about “building a country fit for the future – one that truly works for everyone with a stronger economy and a fairer society.” It would also allow “a new generation of gifted Ministers to step up and make life better for people across the whole UK.”

Such fine aspirations are to be commended despite no changes were made to the most senior positions. A number of middle-ranking white, male ministers were, however, replaced by younger MPs. The number of women in the Cabinet increased to 10 but four were only part-time. In total, the number of women in Government rose from 30 to 37, representing only 30 percent of the total.

The number of ethnic minorities increased from four to nine, far short of the 18 that would more closely reflect the country’s demographic composition.

The number includes just three Muslims: a fifth of the number that would reflect the 5% of the population who are Muslim.

Of the three Muslim Tories, Sajid Javid maintained his cabinet post as Secretary of State, now re-titled to be Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, presented as if it were an actual promotion. He was previously demoted from Business Secretary by May when she became Prime Minister just 18 months ago.

Rehman Christi was given the post of Conservative vice-chair, alongside a number of others, sharing the communities brief with Helen Grant.

Nusrat Ghani was given a junior position as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport.