Rishi Sunak Ousts Suella Braverman as Home Secretary in Cabinet Reshuffle

Felix Yim 13/11/2023

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has sacked Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

Braverman, known for her right-wing stance, faced controversy after accusing the police of bias in handling protests, sparking tensions before scheduled demonstrations in London. She defied Downing Street's request to tone down her article, leading to calls for her removal from Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and some Tory MPs.

Rishi Sunak dismissed the former Home Secretary for her defiance of No 10 over an article criticizing the Metropolitan Police's handling of protests. This dismissal marks the beginning of a significant cabinet reshuffle as Sunak aims to revamp his top team ahead of the upcoming Autumn Statement.

This marks the second time Braverman has been removed as home secretary, the first being her resignation during Liz Truss's tenure after sharing confidential cabinet papers.

New Appointments in Rishi Sunak's Cabinet

James Cleverly has been announced as Braverman's replacement, bringing a fresh perspective to the crucial role.

Former Prime Minister David Cameron unexpectedly replaces Cleverly as foreign secretary, making a return to active politics after being out of Parliament since 2016.

Despite being out of Parliament, David Cameron has been given a seat in the House of Lords to facilitate his new position as foreign secretary.

The Liberal Democrats call for blocking Cameron's peerage, citing his involvement in lobbying for the collapsed finance company Greensill Capital.

Political Reactions Following the Surprising Reshuffle

Senior Labour MP Pat McFadden criticizes Cameron's appointment, stating that it contradicts the prime minister's claim to offer change from years of Tory failure.

Lord Cameron expresses his desire to be part of a strong UK team, praising Sunak's leadership and emphasizing the need for unity.

Braverman was seen as a right-wing standard bearer, often making headlines for her comments. Some suggest she served as a politically useful pressure valve for Sunak, signaling approval for right-wing populist policies indirectly.

With Cameron's return, Sunak appears to be shoring up the Conservative Party's liberal wing, indicating a shift in political dynamics.

Continued Reshuffle for Rishi Sunak Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty

As Sunak's reshuffle progresses, four junior ministers, including long-serving Schools Minister Nick Gibb, health minister Neil O'Brien, Will Quince from the Department of Health and Social Care, and transport minister Jesse Norman, have announced their resignations from the government.

Rishi Sunak's cabinet reshuffle has set the stage for a renewed political landscape, with unexpected changes at the top. The removal of Suella Braverman and the return of David Cameron signal a strategic shift within the Conservative Party, emphasizing unity and adaptability in the face of ongoing political challenges. As Sunak continues to reshape his team, the political landscape in the UK is undergoing a notable transformation.

Share this article

Leave your comments

Post comment as a guest