Prior to the election Cameron had led his first ministry, the Cameron–Clegg coalition, a coalition government that consisted of members of the Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats, with Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg as Deputy Prime Minister.

Osborne was also given the honorific title of First Secretary of State, which had been held by William Hague in the preceding ministry.

[5][6] Eric Pickles, previously the Communities Secretary left the Cabinet and received a knighthood, being replaced by Greg Clark.

Michael Gove moved to the position of Justice Secretary, replacing Chris Grayling, who became the new Leader of the House of Commons.

Mark Harper replaced Gove as Chief Whip, whilst Matthew Hancock became the new Minister for the Cabinet Office, being replaced by Anna Soubry as Minister of State for Small Business, Industry and Enterprise.