Britain’s prime minister makes first major overhaul of his gov’t to sharpen focus on economy

LONDON – Britain’s prime minister says he has begun making major changes to his government team, in the hope it will sharpen focus on kick-starting the country’s stalled economy.

David Cameron confirmed Tuesday that International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell would become chief whip, to build support for the “mission to restore our economy to growth.”

Sayeeda Warsi, the first female Muslim to serve in a British Cabinet, posted a message to Twitter confirming she would leave her post as Conservative Party co-chairman.

Welsh Secretary Cheryl Gillan also announced she had lost her role.

Cameron is not expected to switch key ministers, retaining Treasury chief George Osborne to lead economic policy.

Osborne, responsible for sharp public spending cuts, faced a chorus of boos Monday at a Paralympic Games medal ceremony.