‘WAS he pushed or did he jump?’ was one of the big questions during the ‘The Night of the Blond Knives’.

But while he’s disappointed to lose his cabinet post, the MP for East Hampshire remains proud of being part of Theresa May’s government.

After an 18-month tenure as education secretary, Damian Hinds is returning to the backbenches with a new prime minister and cabinet now in place.

His Meon Valley counterpart George Hollingbery is also on the move after 13 months with the Department for International Trade (DFIT).

In a statement sent to the Post yesterday, Mr Hinds, who publicly backed Mr Johnston’s opponent Jeremy Hunt in the final leadership vote, said it had been “immense privilege” to serve as education secretary

“Not only as education secretary,” added Mr Hinds, “but before that at The Treasury and as minister for employment, alongside my first responsibility, serving the people of East Hampshire.

“We have a new prime minister, a new vision and a new sense of purpose.

“Boris Johnson has set a positive tone for a new era.

“Leaving the European Union (EU) is the immediate imperative but the government also has an ambitious domestic reform agenda, too.”

Mr Hinds added: “Obviously I am disappointed I will not be a member of the new government, but it has been a great honour to have had the chance to serve in government, especially as education secretary.”

With the prospect of a no-deal Brexit becoming a real possibility following Mr Johnston’s Conservative leadership win, Mr Hollingbery believes the DFIT is ready for Britain’s departure from the EU, in whatever form, with October 31 being D-Day.

A close supporter of Theresa May during her troubled reign, Mr Hollingbery has left his position as minister for trade policy.

The MP for the Meon Valley said: “During the past 13 months, I have very much enjoyed working at the Department for International Trade helping to formulate policy that will allow the UK to maximise the opportunities that Brexit will bring.

“I now leave a department ready to implement that trade policy on October 31 this year when we leave the European Union.”

The Alresford-based politician added: “I will continue to support the new prime minister and understand his wish to form a new team at the department.

“I wish my successor the very best in their endeavours.”