The new British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak appointed the right-wing conservative politician on Tuesday afternoon as the first confirmed woman in the cabinet after numerous male colleagues. Braverman, from the party’s right wing, represents an extremely hardline on immigration policy.
She left the cabinet the day before Sunak’s predecessor, Liz Truss, resigned after forwarding an official document using her private email address, contrary to ministerial rules. The politician combined the probably forced resignation with sharp criticism of the Truss government’s course.
After taking office, Sunak promised to lead the government with integrity and to restore trust. Grant Shapps, who headed the Home Office for a few days, will now become Economy and Energy Secretary under Sunak. Penny Mordaunt – Sunak’s rival in the race for Downing Street – remains Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs. She had reportedly had hopes for a more important post, such as the State Department.
Former deputy prime minister returns
Sunak also brought former Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab back to government. Raab will resume his old posts as deputy prime minister and justice secretary, Downing Street said on Tuesday. The 48-year-old previously held these positions under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and is considered one of Sunak’s key allies. Treasury Secretary remains Jeremy Hunt.
Secretary of Defense Ben Wallace and Secretary of State James Cleverly will also retain their posts. The new general secretary of Sunak’s Conservative Party will be Nadhim Zahawi, who recently campaigned for Johnson’s return to Downing Street. The appointment is seen as an attempt to involve the camp around Johnson, whose relationship with Sunak is considered to be heavily burdened.
At least eleven ministers are leaving
In return, at least eleven ministers and state secretaries from the Truss government are leaving the cabinet. Among them are three of Johnson’s close allies: eccentric Business Secretary Jacob Rees-Mogg, Education Secretary Kit Malthouse and former Tory Secretary-General Jake Berry.
Source: Nachrichten
