NEW Home Secretary Sajid Javid is less than a day into the job but already has a rather full in-tray. He needs to get up to speed with every aspect of the Government’s immigration policy – no mean task when it seems to change depending on which way the political wind is blowing.

He must keep abreast of the Windrush scandal to make sure the families affected do receive the extra support pledged since the row broke. As Brexit draws ever nearer, he will have to lead on the development of the UK’s new immigration system, mindful of the Conservatives’ net migration targets, as well as oversee the process for applications from EU nationals who want to stay in the country after 2020.

There are also the Home Office’s responsibilities on security, counter-terrorism and policing to factor in, so it remains to be seen whether or not Mr Javid will have time to take on his predecessor Amber Rudd’s other key role as chief deflector for Theresa May.

The Prime Minister could be found yesterday on the local election campaign trail in Greater Manchester, insisting there was no problem with illegal migrant removal targets because the public wants the Government to be tough on the issue.

She will hope Ms Rudd’s departure can draw a line under the last few weeks in time for Thursday’s elections. If the Tories receive a drubbing at the ballot box, the “hostile environment” Mrs May is so keen on for migrants might end up describing her party’s feelings towards its leader.