‘Out Of Front-Line Politics For 7 Years’: David Cameron’s First Reaction On Surprise Return To UK Govt

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday reshuffled his top team ahead of a general election expected next year.

Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron

Source : Getty

New Delhi: Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron made a surprise return to the British government as foreign secretary on Monday, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled his top team ahead of a general election expected next year.

The unexpected appointment of the former PM comes after right-wing firebrand Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary earlier today and James Cleverly was appointed to replace her, leaving the top job open at the foreign office.

In a post on Platform X, Cameron said, "While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience - as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six - will assist me in helping the prime minister."

He added that, though he may have "disagreed with some individual decisions" made by Sunak, the PM is a "strong and capable" leader, "who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time."

The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted.

We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more…

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) November 13, 2023

Reacting to Cameron's unexpected return, Theresa May, who was home secretary in Cameron's government before becoming prime minister, welcomed the former prime minister's return as foreign secretary.

"His immense experience on the international stage will be invaluable at this time of great uncertainty in our world," she wrote.

"Looking forward to working together again!"

Congratulations to @David_Cameron on his return to government. His immense experience on the international stage will be invaluable at this time of great uncertainty in our world. Looking forward to working together again!

— Theresa May (@theresa_may) November 13, 2023

Meanwhile, SNP's Westminster deputy leader, Mhairi Black expressed her disappointment saying, "The fact that Rishi Sunak has had to resurrect David Cameron shows how tired this Tory government is."

"People in Scotland will be appalled that the architect of thirteen years of Tory austerity cuts, and the disastrous Brexit referendum, is back in government," she added.

Cameron has been out of government since resigning in 2016 after the Brexit referendum.