One member of the gvt says they considered firing Justine Greening on the spot because of her tantrum on reshuffle day

— Sam Coates Times (@SamCoatesTimes) September 7, 2012

Justine Greening didn’t want International Development brief and told No10 she didn’t believe in the budget ringfence thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/polit…

— Sam Coates Times (@SamCoatesTimes) September 7, 2012

No10 admits PM was drinking on sacking night, sharing a glass with Ken. But no ‘sipping’ while sacking Cheryl Gillan thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/polit…

— Sam Coates Times (@SamCoatesTimes) September 7, 2012

By the way, I’m told the exact phrases used by Justine Greening to express her scepticism about aid and Dfid were extremely fruity and sharp

— Sam Coates Times (@SamCoatesTimes) September 7, 2012

@samcoatestimes Greening has “tantrums” and IDS is “robust”. Tory misogyny is breathtaking.

— liversedge (@liversedge) September 7, 2012

Is Greening wise to take on Dave?

Thanks to an excellent series of Tweets from Sam Coates at the Times we are getting a fuller picture of how the Justine Greening reacted to being kicked sideways from her job as Transport Secretary.

That this briefing is going on is not a good sign and I wonder whether Justine, the comprehensive school educated Southampton graduate, might be the first cabinet casualty. Ladbrokes make her a 12/1 shot.

Defying Dave is not always a good idea as those backbench Tories who have taken part in rebellions can attest.

Mike Smithson @MSmithsonPB