In a bold and unexpected move, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak orchestrated a dramatic Cabinet reshuffle, ousting the hardline Home Secretary Suella Braverman and welcoming back former Prime Minister David Cameron to a prominent government role after a seven-year hiatus from politics.
Braverman’s dismissal came on the heels of controversial comments regarding the policing of pro-Palestinian protests in central London. Her tenure had been marred by scandals and divisive rhetoric, causing internal strife within Sunak’s government.
In a surprising turn of events, Sunak announced Cameron’s return to frontline politics, appointing him as the new foreign secretary. Cameron, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, resigned in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum. His comeback is an unprecedented move in recent British political history.
The reshuffle also involved James Cleverly taking over from Braverman as the interior minister, creating space for Cameron’s remarkable return to the Cabinet.
Braverman’s confrontational approach toward migrants, protesters, police, and the homeless had sparked speculation of a potential leadership bid, but her divisive remarks and accusations of “double standards” against London’s police force led to her downfall.
Cameron’s return to the political spotlight follows his resignation as an MP after leaving Downing Street. His rapid ascension to the House of Lords and appointment as foreign secretary raise questions about accountability, as it is unusual for a senior minister to sit in the Lords instead of the Commons.
Sunak’s strategic gamble in bringing Cameron back into the government is seen as an attempt to project stability amid the Conservative Party’s waning popularity. However, it also risks reinforcing the perception that the party lacks fresh ideas, potentially impacting its electoral prospects next year.
In his first interview after assuming the role, Cameron expressed his commitment to public service and praised Sunak’s leadership despite past disagreements. The surprising turn of events marks a staggering twist in Cameron’s influential political career, which had seemingly concluded seven years ago.