The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, fired the country’s Home Minister Suella Braverman this Monday and surprised by promoting the return to local politics of David Cameron, whom he appointed as chancellor. The former British head of government will take the position held by James Cleverly, who will join the portfolio held by the controversial official.
Cameron withdrew from the political scene in 2016, when he stepped down as prime minister after losing the Brexit referendum.
Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle stems from Braverman’s sacking from the Home Office, after several days of intense speculation about his future.
James Cleverly, who had previously served as Foreign Secretary, was appointed to replace Braverman, who was known for his tough and often controversial stance on the right wing of the Conservative Party which led to a series of tensions with 10 Downing Street.
His latest action involved an unauthorized article criticizing the Government’s response to pro-Palestinian protests, which was seen as a direct challenge to Sunak’s authority.
In his first statement following his dismissal, Braverman said that serving as Interior Secretary had been the “greatest privilege” of his career and anticipated that he would have more to say “in due course.”
According to a Government spokesperson, Jeremy Hunt will remain as finance minister.
The return of prominent figures such as Cameron and changes in Sunak’s cabinet indicate a phase of readjustment and a possible new direction for the Conservative Government.
“Even though I have been away from the political frontline for the last seven years, I hope that my experience as Conservative leader for 11 years and prime minister for six years will help me assist the prime minister,” Cameron said, according to the BBC.
Cameron added that, while he may disagree with some “individual decisions” made by Sunak, the prime minister was a “strong and capable” leader.
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