LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 19: Former British Prime Minister David Cameron leaves the country after testifying at the Covid-19 inquiry on June 19, 2023 in London, England. The UK Covid-19 Inquiry examines the UK’s response and impact to the Covid-19 pandemic and learns lessons for the future. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
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LONDON – Former British Prime Minister David Cameron was named foreign secretary on Monday as part of a major reshuffle in current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s cabinet.
Following the sudden dismissal of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary, Cameron was seen entering No. 10 – the British Prime Minister’s official residence and office – to meet with Sunak.
Cameron was prime minister from 2010 to 2016 and led Britain’s controversial Brexit vote, which ultimately led to his resignation.
He is the figurehead of an era of Conservative leadership that Sunak has previously criticized heavily. In a conference speech in October, Sunak positioned himself as Britain’s “change” candidate and condemned the past 30 years of British politics – during which the Tories governed around two-thirds – as a failure.
David Cameron, British Foreign Secretary, leaves 10 Downing Street in London, Britain, following his appointment, Monday, November 13, 2023.
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A royal decree facilitated Cameron’s return to politics. Under British law, only sitting MPs or members of the House of Lords can become government ministers. Cameron resigned as a member of Parliament in 2016, but King Charles III. confirmed him as a life peer on Monday, elevated him to the rank of Lord and enabled him to take over the office of Foreign Secretary.
During his time in office, Cameron was considered an ardent China supporter and subsequently spent time setting up a $1 billion UK-China investment fund – a plan that was later shelved. It is currently unclear how his foreign policy agenda will adapt in light of increasing Sino-skepticism among Western nations and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“We face a number of huge international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East,” Cameron said in an interview opinion.
“During this time of profound global change, there has rarely been a more important time for this country to stand with our allies, strengthen our partnerships and ensure our voices are heard.”
The reshuffle comes as Sunak seeks to restore his authority as his ruling Conservative Party trails the opposition Labor Party by more than 20 points in opinion polls ahead of a general election due before January 2025.
Speculation about Braverman’s dismissal arose last week after an editorial she wrote was published in The Times newspaper in which she ignored instructions from Downing Street and accused London police of political bias in policing protests.
The former interior minister has long been a controversial figure. Her plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda and her comments describing homelessness as a “lifestyle choice” drew criticism.
James Cleverly, who previously served as Secretary of State, was named Braverman’s successor. Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt will remain in his post, although further leadership changes are expected on Monday.
Source : www.cnbc.com