New Delhi: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Monday appointed James Cleverly, the former foreign minister, as the new home secretary, after the previous incumbent Suella Braverman was sacked over her remarks on Palestine.
Former UK PM David Cameron has been appointed as the new foreign secretary, in an unusual return to high office for an ex-leader.
The move, part of Sunak's first major reshuffle after nearly 13 months in power, was the latest reset for a prime minister whose party is badly lagging behind the Labour Party before an election expected next year, and the return of Cameron to government suggested Sunak wanted to bring in more centrist, experienced hands rather than appease the right of his party which supported Braverman.
Earlier today, Sunak fired the ever-controversial Braverman when she defied Sunak last week in an unauthorised article accusing police of "double standards" at protests, suggesting they were tough on right-wing demonstrators but easy on pro-Palestinian marchers.
The opposition Labour Party said that inflamed tensions between a pro-Palestinian demonstration and a far-right counter-protest on Saturday, when nearly 150 people were arrested, reported Reuters.
David Cameron has cited wars in Ukraine and Gaza as he claimed that the UK is facing a “daunting set of international challenges” as he is appointed foreign secretary.
“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 important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard,” the former Tory prime minister said in a post on platform X.
Cameron's appointment was welcomed by more centrist Conservatives, who say his international experience will help steady the ship.
But Braverman's removal and Cameron's return angered some Conservatives on the right of the party with one lawmaker saying her removal was disappointing and Braverman could become a vocal force on the so-called backbenches in parliament.