Following a major cabinet reshuffle, former UK Prime Minister David Cameron has returned to politics after being appointed foreign secretary. Cameron received a peerage to accept the position, and he replaced James Cleverly, the prior foreign secretary. While it is uncommon for former prime ministers to return to politics, Cameron cited the country’s current daunting challenges in the Middle East and Ukraine to defend his decision to come back and support Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Cameron has faith in Sunak’s leadership during difficult times as prime minister, and wants to support the current administration in the midst of the numerous challenges they’re facing.
The cabinet reshuffle was initiated on Monday by Sunak, whose party’s position in the polls has dropped significantly since they’ve been in power for over 13 years. The prime minister sacked Suella Braverman as home secretary, with Cleverly replacing her, after she accused the Metropolitan Police of bias in their handling of protests. Sunak’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of a united team after the reshuffle and acknowledged that there have been distinct “differences of style” between Braverman and him. The spokesperson commented on Cameron’s appointment, saying that he’s an “established figure on the world stage” who can bring a lot to the role of foreign secretary.
Cameron’s return marks a significant event in Westminster: the first former prime minister to re-enter government in around 40 years. Cameron’s appointment silenced the prior criticisms that he had for Sunak’s administration, notably the decision to cancel the northern expansion of the HS2 rail link and cutting the UK’s aid budget. As a member of the team, Cameron accepts the cabinet collective responsibility that comes with the position. While centrist Tory MPs have embraced Cameron’s return, those on the right of the party who supported Brexit have derided him. The Liberal Democrats, on the other hand, are urging to block Cameron’s peerage, citing his lobbying for the now-collapsed Greensill Capital.
The reshuffled cabinet initiated by Sunak offers a slate of changes, such as Steve Barclay replacing Therese Coffey as environment secretary, and Victoria Atkins elected as health secretary. Richard Holden also took over Greg Hands as Tory party chairman. However, the reshuffle also marks a significant milestone in history: for the first time since the Conservatives won the 2010 election, none of the four most senior positions in cabinet are held by women. Despite this, Sunak believes his refreshed cabinet is better suited to appeal to the country
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