In a major Cabinet reshuffle, British PM Rishi Sunak on Monday (November 13, 2023) removed Home Secretary Suella Braverman and even made a surprising move by bringing back ex prime minister David Cameron as Foreign Secretary.
“The Rt Hon @David_Cameron has been appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs,” the British Prime Minister’s Office posted on X.
Meanwhile, James Cleverly was named as the new Secretary of State for the Home Department.
After his appointment, David Cameron said he accepted to serve as the new Foreign Secretary.
Cameron said Britain is currently facing a ‘daunting set of international challenges’.
“We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard,” he posted on X.
“While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges,” he said.
He called Sunak a ‘strong and capable Prime Minister’ despite having disagreed with some individual decisions with him in the past.
“Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time. I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the General Election is held,” the former PM said.
Following his appointment, James Cleverly wrote on X: “It is an honour to be appointed as Home Secretary.”
Suella Braverman and recent controversy:
Suella Braverman was removed from her post as pressure mounted on Sunak after she was accused of stoking tension ahead of Armistice Day violence.
The former home secretary has been under increased pressure after writing an article in the Times, reported BBC.
She criticised what she called “pro-Palestinian mobs”, saying protest scenes were “disturbingly reminiscent” of those seen in Northern Ireland, the British media reported.
She also slammed the Met Police for a “double standard” over their handling of protests, reported BBC.
It later came to be known that Downing Street had not signed off on Braverman’s article.