Cabinet reshuffle: Former Prime Minister Cameron becomes British Foreign Minister

Hardly anyone expected that. Former British Prime Minister David Cameron has returned to the government in London as Foreign Minister. This is the result of a cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The conservative prime minister had previously fired his interior minister, Suella Braverman. The previous foreign minister, James Cleverly, took over her post.

The new head of foreign affairs is now Cameron, who resigned in 2016 after the British voted to leave the European Union in a referendum he had called for. The 57-year-old is considered to be part of the moderate wing of the Conservative Party and was head of government from 2010 to 2016. At that time, Cameron campaigned for his country to remain in the EU.

The fact that he is now becoming a minister also surprised political commentators. Sunak is fighting for his political survival in the face of miserable poll numbers and a general election expected next year. A cabinet reshuffle had been expected for some time. However, it is questionable whether Cameron’s appointment will bring him the hoped-for turnaround in the polls.

Cameron’s failed Brexit referendum

Cameron was considered a political failure after losing the referendum. Brexit opponents resent him for even risking a referendum on such a far-reaching issue. He also did not fare well with Brexit supporters because of his support for remaining. In addition, there is a legacy of austerity policy and rapprochement with China, which is now viewed critically. A few years ago he was also criticized for his lobbying work for the now insolvent financial service provider Greensill Capital.

What works in Cameron’s favor is that he brings with him a lot of international experience that could be useful at a time of great foreign policy challenges. His immediate successor in Downing Street, Theresa May, praised the decision: “His immense experience will be invaluable at this time of great uncertainty in the world.” Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock sent Cameron congratulations in English on the short message service X.

Cameron himself released a longer statement. He spoke of major international challenges, citing the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. He tried to make up for the fact that he himself had recently criticized the government when a rail project was cut: “Even if I didn’t agree with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable prime minister, an exemplary one Shows leadership in a difficult time.”

Hardliner Braverman provoked more often

With his appointment as minister, Cameron would also be appointed to the House of Lords. The British newspaper “Times” commented that Sunak had managed to use his personality to dominate the headlines and thus distract from the dispute with Braverman.

The dismissed right-wing politician had recently repeatedly caused heated debates. Among other things, she accused the police of being blind in the left eye and of tolerating violations of the law by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. She made her allegations in a guest article in the “Times” – without coordination with the head of government’s office, as a spokesman for Sunak had confirmed. Her dismissal was therefore already expected.

“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as Interior Secretary. I will have more to say soon,” Braverman reportedly said.

In the past she had repeatedly attracted attention with right-wing populist statements. She once described it as her dream to see a plane carrying asylum seekers taking off for Rwanda.

The British government wants to deport people seeking protection from all origins there in the future, without examining their asylum application – instead, people should apply for asylum in the East African country and stay there. So far, however, this has failed due to resistance from the courts. A ruling from Britain’s highest court is expected on Wednesday.

Is she still a threat to the Prime Minister?

Nevertheless, Braverman is considered a promising candidate for the party leadership if, as expected, the Conservatives lose the election next year. It was speculated that with the police scolding and other statements she wanted to position herself as a candidate from the right wing of the party – and perhaps even wanted to intentionally cause her to be expelled.

Braverman may now hope to become a figurehead of the right. Support for her came, among others, from MP Andrea Jenkyns, who accused Sunak of having “given in to the left”. “I support Suella Braverman, who was fired for telling the truth,” Jenkyns wrote on X. But whether Braverman can actually pose a threat to the prime minister from the backbenches is questionable. Many MPs are reportedly annoyed by her provocations.