Foreign Secretary David Cameron joked his wife was “furious” that he had taken on a new title as he took his seat in the House of Lords.
The former prime minister will now be known as Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton following his official introduction on Monday. The name reflects his long-standing association with the Cotswolds town in his former constituency of Witney.
Lord Cameron told the Global Food Security Summit: “It was an extraordinary day for me, going to the House of Lords, taking the oath and everything else.
“So I go home and tell Mrs. Cameron that she is now Lady Cameron. She’s absolutely furious about this.”
Last week it was announced he had been elevated to the Lords as a life peer, allowing him to serve in Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet after he stood down as an MP in 2016.
Lord Cameron previously served in the House of Commons for 15 years, including five years as Leader of the Opposition and six years as Prime Minister.
He was joined at his induction ceremony by Lord True, Leader of the House of Lords, and Baroness Williams of Trafford, Chief Executive of the House of Lords.
Each was nominated for peerage by Lord Cameron himself and Lady Williams had served as a minister in his government.
Lord Cameron, 57, wore the traditional scarlet robes for the short ceremony as he swore the oath of allegiance to the king.
The red benches in the upper hall were fuller than usual, and there were people sitting on the stairs and on the step at the foot of the throne.
They included Lord Pickles, who served in the Cameron government.
Lord Cameron read out the traditional oath: “I, David, Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton, swear by Almighty God that I will remain faithful and truly loyal to His Majesty King Charles, his heirs and successors according to the law, so help me.” God.”
Shortly after leaving the chamber to finish his introduction, Lord Cameron returned and sat on the government front bench between Lord True and Lady Williams.
Peers called out to him as he arrived in the chamber.
However, Lord Cameron’s appointment was not universally welcomed. The Liberal Democrats wrote to the prime minister’s ethics adviser calling on him to launch an investigation into the appointment of the new foreign secretary.
Liberal Democrat leader Wendy Chamberlain pointed to Lord Cameron’s previous work for investment firm Greensill Capital, which he privately lobbied ministers to gain access to a coronavirus emergency lending scheme.
Ms Chamberlain said: “We urgently need clarity about David Cameron’s financial interests, which could create serious conflicts of interest as he represents the UK on the world stage.”
“If he were serious about acting with integrity, Rishi Sunak would address these concerns by asking his ethics adviser to launch a full investigation into Cameron’s appointment.
“David Cameron has serious questions to answer about whether he can act impartially in the best interests of the British people. His judgment and integrity have been called into question in recent years, and for good reason.”
Meanwhile, the Lord Speaker used a speech at the London School of Economics on Monday to emphasize the importance of experience and independence in the House of Lords.
Lord McFall of Alcluith said ministers in the House of Lords often faced harsher criticism than those in the House of Commons.
He said: “Some suggest ministers have an easier time in the House of Lords. Let me tell you, nothing could be further from the truth.
“A former minister who served in both houses told me that the experience of being questioned by colleagues was much more daunting.
“In the Lords, interrogations are carried out by former secretaries of state and civil service executives, judges, ambassadors, EU commissioners and former heads of bodies such as NATO and the Joint Intelligence Committee.
“These are people who know their topics exactly and can get to the heart of any problem.”
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Source : www.newschainonline.com