David Cameron given top job in Sunak’s shock reshuffle as Braverman sacked – latest

Rishi Sunak has caused a political sensation by firing Suella Braverman and appointing David Cameron as foreign secretary in a reshuffle of his top team.

The prime minister sacked home secretary after claims that she incited violent protests by far right thugs at the Cenotaph on Armistice Day.

Ms Braverman was replaced by James Cleverly, whose old foreign secretary brief was taken up by Mr Cameron, who was forced to resign as PM in 2016 after losing the EU referendum.

Mr Sunak now faces the threat of a revolt from the Tory right, many of whom backed Ms Braverman’s provocative comments on “hateful” pro-Palestinian protestors that led to her dismissal.

Andrea Jenkyns, an arch-Boris Johnson loyalist, became the first MP to publicly submit a no-confidence letter in Mr Sunak on Monday night, declaring “enough is enough”.

Key Points

David Cameron becomes foreign secretary in shock appointment

James Cleverly replaces Suella Braverman as home secretary

Victoria Atkins appointed health secretary

Steve Barclay moved from health to environment

Therese Coffey quits as environment secretary

Braverman tent crackdown shelved

12:26 , Athena Stavrou

Downing Street said Suella Braverman’s plans for a crackdown on the use of tents by homeless people had been shelved.

Ms Braverman was sacked as home secretary on Monday following a series of controversial comments, including describing homelessness as a “lifestyle choice”.

The plans will not be included in the Criminal Justice Bill, No 10 indicated.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “It’s not going to be introduced in the Criminal Justice Bill. I’m not aware of any plans for its introduction elsewhere.”

(Getty Images)

Ministers discuss Rwanda plan

12:19 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak and Cabinet ministers looked ahead to Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision on the Rwanda plan.

Home Secretary James Cleverly “outlined some of the possible scenarios” of the judgment, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.

A Cabinet readout said: “Ahead of the Supreme Court judgment on the Rwanda migration partnership tomorrow, the Prime Minister highlighted significant progress made by the Government to stop the boats.

Rishi Sunak and Cabinet ministers looked ahead to Wednesday’s Supreme Court decision on the Rwanda plan.

Home Secretary James Cleverly “outlined some of the possible scenarios” of the judgment, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said.

A Cabinet readout said: “Ahead of the Supreme Court judgment on the Rwanda migration partnership tomorrow, the Prime Minister highlighted significant progress made by the Government to stop the boats.

“He said that the UK was bucking the global trend by significantly reducing the flow of illegal immigrants into the country while other countries continue to see their numbers rise.

“Alongside this, he said we are on track to eliminate the asylum legacy backlog and were making good progress on curbing the use of hotels to house migrants.

“The Home Secretary updated Cabinet ahead of the court judgments and on the wider work to curb illegal migration, including through more returns agreements, most recently with Georgia and Albania.”

Police protest powers to be ‘kept under review’

12:14 , Athena Stavrou

As Rishi Sunak met Scotland Yard chief Sir Mark Rowley, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman said the powers available to police to deal with protests would be kept under review to see if they need to be beefed up.

“The public rightly expect that the full force of the law is used to bear down on some of the shocking scenes of criminality we saw over the weekend, whether it was EDL protesters or those seemingly supporting Hamas, a proscribed terrorist organisation,” the spokesman said.

He added: “The Prime Minister continues to be grateful to police officers, a number of whom were injured over the weekend.

“They have an extremely difficult job to do and he was grateful to them for doing it.”

The spokesman said the Prime Minister would be speaking to Sir Mark to “get a shared understanding of how to approach these protests should there be significant protests in the future”.

“It’s important that police have the powers they need to carry out their role and we will continue to keep that under review.”

(AFP via Getty Images)

Sunak meeting Met Police commissioner following protest controversy

12:12 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak is meeting Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley in Downing Street, following last Saturday’s unrest around the Cenotaph and the pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London.

Downing Street said the pair were meeting to discuss the protests last weekend.

It comes after Suella Braverman was sacked as Home Secretary after she branded pro-Palestinian protesters “hate marchers” and accused the police of bias for letting the rally go ahead on Armistice Day.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak smiles and jokes in first cabinet meeting since reshuffle

12:04 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak laughed as he opened his first cabinet meeting since his bombshell reshuffle.

He welcomed both old and new faces before expanding on his plans for his new “united team:.

The prime minister said: “A warm welcome to those for whom it’s their first Cabinet and also a welcome to those for whom it may not be their first time.”

Lord Cameron was attending his first Cabinet since quitting as prime minister in 2016.

Mr Sunak added: “Our purpose is nothing less than to make the long-term decisions that are going to change our country for the better.

“I know that this strong and united team is going to deliver that change for everybody.”

Iain Duncan Smith questions foreign secretary David Cameron’s links to China

11:38 , Athena Stavrou

Sir Iain Duncan Smith questioned Lord David Cameron‘s appointment by Rishi Sunak as foreign secretary as “it appears he’s being paid by the Chinese government to promote certain things.”

Speaking to GB News on Monday, the Conservative party leader said he had “concerns” about Lord Cameron, before recalling how he was sanctioned by China in 2021 for what it said were “lies and disinformation” about alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

Under Lord Cameron’s leadership there was a “golden era” of UK-China cooperation, something Mr Sunak described as “naive” last year following growing tensions with Beijing.

Cameron ‘symbolises politics of yesterday’, says Kwasi Kwarteng

11:21 , Adam Forrest

Former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has said “time will tell” if Rishi Sunak’s decision to sack Suella Braverman was a mistake.

Mr Kwarteng also said David Cameron symbolises “the politics of yesterday”.

“I think the gamble is that somehow David will give gravity and heft and statesmanship. I understand that and I think he’s a capable man,” the man behind Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-Budget told GB News.

“But it is odd, having said that you’re the change candidate after 13 years of failed politics to bring someone back who was a prime minister 11 years ago … David Cameron symbolises the politics that was very much of yesterday.”

He added: “David has to say very early on that he accepts Brexit because otherwise the suspicion is that somehow he’s going to be close to the EU. He’s got to do a speech or say something to signal that he’s accepted Brexit.”

Kwarteng was behind Liz Truss’ disastrous mini-Budget (REUTERS)

Can the return of Lord Cameron of Remainville win back lost Tory voters?

11:01 , Athena Stavrou

The PM has seized headlines with his surprise appointment of David Cameron as foreign secretary – but does a lurch to the centre have any hope of securing the Conservatives a fifth term?

John Rentoul reports:

Can the return of Lord Cameron of Remainville win back lost Tory voters?

Sunak stresses ‘united team’ at first meeting of new Cabinet

10:39 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak hailed his “strong and united team” at his first Cabinet meeting following the dramatic reshuffle that saw Lord David Cameron appointed Foreign Secretary and Suella Braverman sacked.

The reshuffle is designed to prepare the Tories for the next general election, but it has also risked inflaming the rift in the Conservative Party.

Former minister Dame Andrea Jenkyns submitted a furious letter of no confidence in Mr Sunak to the Tory backbench 1922 Committee as a result of the decision.

Surrounded by a new-look Cabine Mr Sunak promised “big, bold decisions that will drive change”.

He said: “Our purpose is nothing less than to make the long-term decisions that are going to change our country for the better.

“I know that this strong and united team is going to deliver that change for everybody.”

(PA)

David Cameron leaves Downing Street after first meeting of Rishi Sunak’s new cabinet

10:34 , Athena Stavrou

Lord David Cameron has left Downing Street after his first Cabinet meeting as foreign minister.

Downing Street announces changes to Whip

10:27 , Athena Stavrou

Downing Street has announced a series of changes in the Whips’ Office.

Stuart Anderson, Dame Amanda Milling, Joy Morrissey and Mike Wood were made Government whips while Aaron Bell, Mark Fletcher, Mark Jenkinson and Suzanne Webb became assistant whips.

(PA)

Sunak’s five priorities ‘not the limit of ambitions’

10:15 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak stressed that meeting the five priorities he had set was “not the limit of our ambitions”.

The Prime Minister told Cabinet: “We want to build a better future for our children and for our grandchildren.

“That is what this team is going to do, whether it’s navigating the crises in Ukraine and the Middle East, demonstrating we will stand up for our values and provide security for everyone here at home, but also to make the big, bold decisions that will drive change – a new approach to infrastructure spending, ushering in a generation of children that will grow up smoke-free, reforms to how we approach net zero to save families thousands of pounds and radically reforming our education system.”

Pictures: First meeting of new Cabinet

10:04 , Athena Stavrou

Members of Rishi Sunak’s new Cabinet met for the first time in Downing Street this morning.

Former prime minister David Cameron returned to the Cabinet table for the first time since 2016 – this time as foreign secretary.

(PA)

(via REUTERS)

Sunak welcomes familiar faces at first meeting of new Cabinet

09:57 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak has welcomed both old and new faces at the first meeting of the new Cabinet at Downing Street this morning.

The prime minister said: “A warm welcome to those for whom it’s their first Cabinet and also a welcome to those for whom it may not be their first time.”

Lord Cameron was attending his first Cabinet since quitting as prime minister in 2016.

Mr Sunak added: “Our purpose is nothing less than to make the long-term decisions that are going to change our country for the better.

“I know that this strong and united team is going to deliver that change for everybody.”

He noted it was an “important week”, with inflation figures and the Supreme Court’s Rwanda ruling expected on Wednesday and the Chancellor’s autumn statement next Wednesday.

“Across all of that I’m confident that we can demonstrate to the country that we are making progress on the priorities that I set out at the beginning of the year – to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and to stop the boats.”

Rishi Sunak opens first meeting of new Cabinet

09:45 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak has said his new-look Cabinet would make the “big, bold decisions that will drive change”.

Opening the first meeting of his top team since the changes which saw Lord David Cameron return to government, the Prime Minister said: “Looking around this table, I know that we have an energetic and enthusiastic team that is going to deliver for the country.

“So, let’s get to work.”

Tory chair praises new minister for ‘common sense’ Esther McVey

09:43 , Athena Stavrou

The new Tory chairman Richard Holden praised “plain-speaking” right-winger Esther McVey after she was appointed “common sense” minister in the Cabinet Office.

Appearing on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, he said that Ms McVey was a “plain-speaking northerner from Merseyside, I think she’s a great addition to the broad team.

“What Suella..,” Mr Holden said accidentally.

Today presenter Nick Robinson asked him if that was a Freudian slip.

Continuing, Mr Holden said: “What Esther is going to be doing is bringing that extra dimension to it … What you see is a broad church, Conservative party with a common goal, united together in what it is deciding to put forward to the country. Esther is part of that.”

(PA Archive)

David Cameron arrives at Downing Stret

09:20 , Athena Stavrou

Lord David Cameron has arrived at Downing Street for the first meeting of Rishi Sunak’s new-look Cabinet.

The Foreign Secretary walked inside No 10 at 9.10am, accompanied by minister of state for development and Africa Andrew Mitchell.

The former prime minister laughed after a Downing Street photographer asked him if he missed being “shouted at in the street”.

(REUTERS)

Ministers begin to arrive at Downing Street for first meeting

09:15 , Athena Stavrou

James Cleverly has arrived at Downing Street for the first meeting of Rishi Sunak’s new-look Cabinet.

The Home Secretary walked inside No 10 at 9am.

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Laura Trott was the first minister to walk through the doors of No 10 at around 8.30am.

(Getty Images)

Live: Rishi Sunak’s Cabinet meet for first time after reshuffle

09:12 , Athena Stavrou

Watch live from Downing Street as Rishi Sunak’s cabinet meets for the first time after Monday’s reshuffle:

Sunak showed ‘bad manners’ in sacking Braverman, says Rees-Mogg

08:55 , Adam Forrest

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg told Radio 4’s The World Tonight it was a “mistake” to sack Suella Braverman and accused the Prime Minister of ‘bad manners’ given the way she was sacked over the phone rather than face-to-face.

“I think the problem for the prime minister was that what Suella Braverman was saying was actually very popular … to lose a senior minister to fire a senior minister … because he [Mr Sunak] is a bit sensitive about the language that is used is not wise.”

Rees-Mogg was downbeat on the chances of Rishi Sunak overriding the European Court of Human Rights if the government loses the Rwanda case because the new home secretary James Cleverly has made clear he is opposed to such a radical move.

“I think it almost doesn’t matter what the Supreme Court rules now because the power to override the section 39 injunction for want of a better word has to be exercised by the Home Secretary.

The law provides for that.

“So the injunction will remain in place regardless of what our own courts rule. Now, I’d be delighted to be proved wrong, but I think it is made the Rwanda solution much, much, less likely to occur.”

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

David Cameron in and Suella Braverman out – ask John Rentoul anything about Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle

08:42 , Athena Stavrou

The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul will be taking your questions as David Cameron makes a dramatic return to frontline politics:

Rishi Sunak’s dramatic cabinet reshuffle – ask John Rentoul anything

Labour shadow chancellor criticises set-up of the House of Lords

08:21 , Athena Stavrou

Labour shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves has criticised the set-up of the House of Lords.

She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the current configuration is “totally unjustifiable” and

“I think that the current set-up of the House of Lords is totally unjustifiable,” she said.

“850 and rising members of the House of Lords, a couple of hundred more than we have in the House of Commons.

“Non-elected, unaccountable, I don’t think that stacks up in the 21st century.”

She added that a Labour government would reform the Lords.

“For me, that would start with getting rid of the hereditary peers, which cannot be justified,” she said.

“We want a second chamber that represents the nations and the regions of the United Kingdom.”

(PA Wire)

Sunak brings Brexiteer Andrea Leadsom back into government

08:08 , Adam Forrest

Andrea Leadsom has been brought back into the fold as a junior minister in the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC).

Rishi Sunak will be hoping that the return of the right-wing Brexiteer – formerly business secretary – will placate those angry at Ms Braverman’s exit.

In a flurry of late-night appointments, Mr Sunak has also brought Laura Farris and Bim Afolami into the government as a minister in the Home Office and Ministry of Justice, and economic secretary to the Treasury, respectively.

Simon Hoare was appointed to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, meaning the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee will need to find a new chair.

(PA Archive)

New Tory chairman says Braverman is ‘totally entitled’ to her opinions

07:53 , Athena Stavrou

New Tory chairman Richard Holden has said that Suella Braverman is “totally entitled” to her opinions.

It comes as Westminster awaits a public response from the former home secretary to her sacking, amid fears of a right-wing backlash against Rishi Sunak.

Mr Holden declined to give a view on her sacking but told Sky News that Mrs Braverman “is totally entitled to her opinions”.

“I just say that all of us want to work collectively for the good of the country.”

He has also stressed the need for unity across his party after backbench MP Dame Andrea Jenkyns submitted a no confidence letter in the Prime Minister.

(PA Wire)

Sunak told to ‘prepare for war’ over Braverman sacking

07:32 , Athena Stavrou

Rishi Sunak has risked reigniting a Conservative civil war following his cabinet reshuffle on Monday.

The shocking turn of events saw the sacking of Suella Braverman and the appointment of former prime minister David Cameron as foreign secretary.

Mr Sunak now faces the threat of a revolt from the Tory right, many of whom backed Ms Braverman’s provocative comments on “hateful” pro-Palestinian protestors that led to her dismissal.

He was told to “prepare for war”, as right-wingers keen on revolt claimed that at least 54 of Ms Braverman’s outraged supporters could soon submit letters of no confidence and trigger a vote in his leadership.

Andrea Jenkyns, an arch-Boris Johnson loyalist, became the first MP to publicly submit a no-confidence letter in Mr Sunak on Monday night, declaring “enough is enough”.

(Getty)

What has David Cameron been doing since resigning from government?

07:00 , Matt Mathers

David Cameron has made a surprise return to government after Rishi Sunak sacked home secretary Suella Braverman on Monday morning and reshuffled his Cabinet.

Ms Braverman was fired by Mr Sunak after making inflammatory comments in a newspaper article for The Times, which had not been approved by 10 Downing Street, accusing the Metropolitan Police of exhibiting bias in its approach to political demonstrations.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

What has David Cameron been doing since resigning from government?

ICYMI: Watch – David Cameron breaks silence on his return to government

06:30 , Matt Mathers

Former prime minister David Cameron has spoken for the first time since his appointment as the UK’s foreign secretary.

Mr Cameron was appointed to his new role by prime minister Rishi Sunak in his cabinet reshuffle, following Suella Braverman’s exit on Monday (13 November).

Speaking to Sky News, Mr Cameron said: “I know it’s not usual for a Prime Minister to come back in this way but I believe in public service. The prime minister asked me to do this job and it’s a time where we have some daunting challenges as a country.”

Mr Cameron added: “I hope that six years as Prime Minister and 11 years leading the Conservative Pary gives me the experience to help the prime minister build our alliances.”

Watch the clip here:

Watch: David Cameron breaks silence on his return to cabinet: ‘It’s not usual’

David Cameron’s return is the last roll of the dice by a desperate PM…

05:30 , Matt Mathers

… but derision at Rishi Sunak pitching himself as the ‘candidate for change’ before asking a former prime minister for help will be worth it if it lends the Conservatives the semblance of stability ahead of a general election, writes Sean O’Grady:

David Cameron’s return is the last roll of the dice by a desperate PM…

Sacked! But don’t worry: Suella Braverman has next to no chance of becoming Tory leader

04:30 , Matt Mathers

Suella Braverman, as many predicted, is gone – Rishi Sunak has sacked his divisive home secretary as part of a reshuffle after the pro-Palestine march row turned nasty.

In doing so, the prime minister has effectively fired the starting gun in the battle to succeed him as Tory leader, writes John Rentoul.

When (and let’s face it, it is when and not if) Sunak leads his party to defeat at the next election, Braverman has now laid her claim to be the right wing favourite to succeed him.

Read John’s full comment piece here:

Suella Braverman has next to no chance of becoming Tory leader | John Rentoul

I have a few questions for the ‘new’ foreign secretary, David Cameron

03:30 , Matt Mathers

To resurrect the former PM who gambled away our future at the heart of the European Union is not an act of conciliation, it’s desperate – and deeply undemocratic, says Femi Oluwole:

I have a few questions for the ‘new’ foreign secretary, David Cameron

ICYMI: Piers Morgan among stars mocking Suella Braverman: ‘Being jobless is a lifestyle choice

02:30 , Matt Mathers

Piers Morgan has issued a scathing response to Suella Braverman after the PM finally sacked his home secretary following days of mounting pressure.

The broadcaster was among many to have celebrated Rishi Sunak’s decision to remove Braverman from office after she accused Metropolitan Police chiefs of bias in their handling of the pro-Palestine protests.

Jacob Stolworthy reports:

ICYMI: Suella Braverman sacked as home secretary by Rishi Sunak after pro-Palestine march row

01:30 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman as home secretary after she accused Metropolitan Police chiefs of bias in their handling of the pro-Palestine protests.

Her sacking was welcomed by Tory moderates who had called on the PM to fire Ms Braverman when she controversially claimed the police were “playing favourites”.

But Mr Sunak has been told to “prepare for war”, warned that the move could provoke a full-scale revolt by more than 50 of her right-wing supporters keen for her to succeed Mr Sunak as party leader.

Adam Forrest and Archie Mitchell report:

Suella Braverman sacked by Rishi Sunak after pro-Palestine march row

Am I dreaming – or was that really David Cameron, back at No 10?

00:30 , Matt Mathers

Yes, that David Cameron. David actual Cameron. As the ex-PM roars back to the very top table of British politics, Tom Peck presumes this must make sense to someone somewhere, but wonders: who can it possibly be?

Read Tom’s full sketch here:

Am I dreaming – or was that really David Cameron, back at No 10? | Tom Peck

ICYMI: Tory reshuffle: Who’s in and who’s out as Rishi Sunak reworks his cabinet

Monday 13 November 2023 23:30 , Matt Mathers

David Cameron has been confirmed as the new foreign secretary as Rishi Sunak begins a dramatic reshuffle of his top team by sacking Suella Braverman.

The former PM walked inside No 10 shortly before 9am as Mr Sunak seeks to create a “united” frontbench before next year’s crunch election.

Kate Devlin, Adam Forrest and Archie Mitchell report:

Tory reshuffle: Who’s in and who’s out as Rishi Sunak reworks his cabinet

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues piling high in David Cameron’s in tray

Monday 13 November 2023 22:30 , Matt Mathers

The former prime minister is re-entering frontline politics during a tumultuous time. Chris Stevenson looks at what he will need to tackle first and where his instincts may take him:

From Gaza to Ukraine, China to the EU: The major issues facing Cameron in new role

What does the reshuffle mean for the future Conservative Party leadership stakes?

Monday 13 November 2023 21:30 , Matt Mathers

After Rishi Sunak’s shakeup, Andrew Grice looks at who is best placed to become the future standard-bearer for the centre-right:

What does the reshuffle mean for the future Conservative Party leadership stakes?

Farage confirms I’m A Celeb appearance

Monday 13 November 2023 20:28 , Matt Mathers

Nigel Farage has confirmed he will appear in this year’s series of I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!

“The rumours are true.. I’ll see you in the jungle!” he wrote in a message on X.

‘Where can we submit a letter of no confidence in the Pantomime Dame?’

Monday 13 November 2023 20:23 , Matt Mathers

Tory MP Tim Loughton has jokingly asked, “Where can we submit a letter of no confidence in the Pantomime Dame?” after Andrea Jenkyns called for Rishi Sunak to be removed from office.

Earlier this evening Ms Jenkyns became the first rightwinger to publicly confirm she had submitted a no confidence letter in the prime minister after he sacked Suella Braverman.

Jenkyns is an arch-Boris Johnson loyalist who supported the former prime minister right until the end of his time in No 10.

Etonians can be ‘popped’ into Lords overnight, fumes Nadine Dorries

Monday 13 November 2023 20:12 , Matt Mathers

Nadine Dorries fumed that it is apparently “so easy” for someone who went to Eton to be “just popped into the House of Lords” overnight.

Ms Dorries, a Boris Johnson loyalist who was denied a peerage earlier this year, spoke to LBC after David Cameron was elevated to the upper chamber and made foreign secretary.

“But if you went to a council school in Halewood and Liverpool –  in a secondary modern – it’s not so easy,” she said.

Only a dozen Tories attend right-wing group meeting

Monday 13 November 2023 20:00 , Matt Mathers

Only 12 Tories turned up to a rightwing group meeting on Monday nights amid reports of a rebellion against the sacking of Suella Braverman.

Adam Forrest reports: Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson was among those at a meeting of the right-wing New Conservatives group on Monday – along with Danny Kruger, Simon Clarke and Ms Braverman’s mentor John Hayes.

One member said the group was “far from pleased” at Ms Braverman’s sacking – but only between 10 to 12 MPs were believed to have attended.

Earlier this week Mr Anderson gave his fall backing to the former home secretary, suggesting that all she was guilty of was “saying what most of us are thinking”.

‘Bizarre’ Cameron appointment poses ‘danger’ for parliament, says Bercow

Monday 13 November 2023 19:21 , Matt Mathers

John Bercow has told Times Radio that David Cameron’s appointment has a “real prospect of danger for parliament” and is “a real problem” for accountability, Adam Forrest reports.

The former Speaker also said the move was “bizarre” and said Rishi Sunak was reaching out for the “comfort blanket of somebody who left frontline politics seven years ago”.

Former speaker John Bercow (Victoria Jones/PA) (PA Wire)

‘Enough is enough’: Right-wing Tory MP submits no-confidence letter

Monday 13 November 2023 19:20 , Matt Mathers

The arch Boris Johnson loyalist Andrea Jenkyns has revealed that she had sent a no confidence to the 1922 committee chairman Sir Graham Brady, saying “enough is enough” and adding: “It is time for Rishi Sunak to go.”

It would require 54 letters of no confidence in Mr Sunak – 15 per cent of the party – submitting letters to the Tories’ 1922 committee to trigger a vote in his leadership.

Explainer: How can David Cameron re-join the cabinet without being an MP?

Monday 13 November 2023 19:10 , Matt Mathers

Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron has made a shock return to government after being appointed foreign secretary in a bombshell Cabinet reshuffle.

Mr Cameron, who is not an elected MP but was made a peer on Monday, is replacing James Cleverly in the role as he moves to the Home Office to replace Suella Braverman.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

David Cameron: How can ex-PM join the Cabinet without being an MP?

Recap: Who’s in and who’s out as Rishi Sunak reworks his cabinet

Monday 13 November 2023 18:40 , Matt Mathers

Missed all today’s reshuffle action?

Rishi Sunak is still making some changes to his government this evening – but here is a recap of the major moves:

Tory reshuffle: Who’s in and who’s out as Rishi Sunak reworks his cabinet

‘Enough is enough’: Right-wing Tory MP submits no-confidence letter

Monday 13 November 2023 18:24 , Adam Forrest

The arch Boris Johnson loyalist Andrea Jenkyns has revealed that she had sent a no confidence to the 1922 committee chairman Sir Graham Brady, saying “enough is enough” and adding: “It is time for Rishi Sunak to go.” It would require 54 letters of no confidence in Mr Sunak – 15 per cent of the party – submitting letters to the Tories’ 1922 committee to trigger a vote in his leadership.

Cameron trying to ‘rehabilitate his reputation’, says Dorries

Monday 13 November 2023 18:11 , Matt Mathers

Nadine Dorries has told Boris Johnson’s sister Rachel on LBC that David Cameron is about “self service” and his acceptance of the foreign secretary job was just an attempt to “rehabilitate his reputation”, Adam Forrest reports.

“I never believed these guys were really about public service. I always found them to be about self-service,” she said.

“I think what he’s doing is rehabilitating what was his reputation – to wipe and put a new layer on top of the scandal”.

Watch more below:

Braverman sacking was ‘inevitable’, says Kwarteng

Monday 13 November 2023 18:01 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak is doing the “right thing”, former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng has said, saying the PM needs a team that is “loyal”, Adam Forrest reports.

Mr Kwarteng described Suella Braverman’s sacking as an “inevitability”, telling Times Radio: “She was acting with increasing independence for months actually before today.

“And I think that she made the prime minister’s position very difficult.”

Former chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng (PA Wire)

McVey appointed Cabinet Office minister without portfolio – reports

Monday 13 November 2023 17:57 , Matt Mathers

Esther McVey has been appointed minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office.

According to The Sun, the current GB News presenter will attend cabinet as the PM’s “Common sense minister” to tackle “woke” across Whitehall.

No 10 and the Conservative Party has since confirmed the appointment.

GB News host Esther McVey returning to government

Monday 13 November 2023 17:51 , Matt Mathers

Esther McVey, the former work and pensions secretary, has arrived at No 10 amid the ministerial reshuffle. The MP for Tatton – who has a show on GB News – walked inside shortly after 5pm – but no word yet of which job she’ll be taking up, Adam Forrest reports.

McVey’s return may help shore up some support among Tory MPs on the right, who have lost Suella Braverman as home secretary.

No 10 has said it is not focused on “tick-box diversity” – defending the fact that four privately educated men now holding the great offices of state.

(PA)

Lord Cameron: peers will hold me to account

Monday 13 November 2023 17:41 , Matt Mathers

Lord Cameron said he will be held accountable properly in his new role, despite not facing regular questioning from MPs in the Commons.

“I will be held to account in the House of Lords where I have to account for myself and the government,” he said during his first interview as foreign secretary.

He said Foreign Office minister Andrew Mitchell and others will be held to account in the lower chamber.

Lord Cameron said: “Of course, this government, my role in it, all of that will be accountable to the electorate at the general election when it comes but in the meantime I want to do everything to strengthen our alliances, to work with our friends, to build those vital partnerships, to make sure our country is secure and prosperous in a difficult and dangerous world.”

David Cameron breaks silence on his return to cabinet: ‘It’s not usual’. (Sky News)

‘I’ve decided to join the team’, says David Cameron – who admits appointment ‘not usual’

Monday 13 November 2023 17:31 , Matt Mathers

David Cameron has admitted it is “not usual” for a former PM  to return to government – but said “I believe in public service” and was “proud” to join Rishi Sunak’s team, Adam Forrest reports.

“It’s a time when we have some daunting challenges as a country, the conflict in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine,” he told broadcasters.

“Of course I hope that six years as prime minister, 11 years leading the Conservative party gives me some useful experience and contacts and relationships and knowledge.”

Lord Cameron said he wanted to use his experience to “keep the country strong”, adding: “That’s why I’m doing the job and I’m delighted to accept.”

Asked about disagreements with Rishi Sunak, Mr Cameron said he had tried to “keep quiet” on most issues, but added: ‘Of course I have disagreed with some individual decisions, but politics is a team enterprise.”

“I have decided to join this team, and believe Rishi Sunak is a good prime minister that is a difficult job at a hard team. I want to support him, I’m a member of the team and accept the collective cabinet responsibility.”

Lord Cameron: Grensill scandal ‘in the past’

Monday 13 November 2023 17:29 , Matt Mathers

The new foreign secretary tried to duck questions about criticism of his role in the scandal during an interview with broadcasters.

He said: “The most important thing I’ve done since leaving office is act as president of Alzheimer’s Research and to raise millions of pounds and help our scientists get closer to a diagnosis and a cure, something that affects almost a million people in our country.

“Today I resign from all of those things, from all of the businesses I have been helping.

The other things I’ve been doing, including being a professor at NYU, that all stops – I now have one job, as foreign secretary of the United Kingdom and I am very proud to work with our prime minister to try and make sure our country be as secure and as prosperous as possible.”

Pressed again, Lord Cameron said: “All those things were dealt with by the Treasury Select Committee, and other inquiries at the time.

“As far as I am concerned, that is all dealt with and in the past. I now have one job, as Britain’s foreign secretary.”

No women in four great offices of state

Monday 13 November 2023 17:21 , Matt Mathers

For the first time since 2010, the top four positions in government – prime minister, chancellor of the exchequer, home secretary and foreign secretary – are all held by men: Rishi Sunak, Jeremy Hunt, James Cleverly and David Cameron respectively.

The last occasion was at the end of Gordon Brown’s Labour government, when these roles were held by Mr Brown, Alistair Darling, Alan Johnson and David Miliband respectively.

The new top four also share a similar educational background, with all attending fee-paying private schools: Winchester College in Hampshire (Rishi Sunak), Charterhouse School in Surrey (Jeremy Hunt), Colfe’s School in south London (James Cleverly) and Eton College in Berkshire (David Cameron).

Cameron will have to ‘shed’ any commitments to Chinese companies, says MP

Monday 13 November 2023 17:11 , Matt Mathers

Senior Tory MP John Penrose has told Times Radio that David Cameron will have to “shed” any commitments to Chinese companies so he can “operate with a clean pair of hands”, Adam Forrest reports.

“He will be required to sign up to all sorts of things now he’s back in government and bound by the ministerial code. So he will have to shed any previous involvements that he may have had,” said the government’s former anti-corruption champion.

Mr Penrose said Mr Cameron is “a huge realist and he will understand that the position of China in the world today is very different than it was when he was in No 10”.

(PA)

No 10: We’re not interested in ‘tick box’ diversity

Monday 13 November 2023 17:08 , Matt Mathers

Downing Street said it is not focused on “tick-box diversity”, in defending four privately educated men now holding the great offices of state.

“The deputy prime minister (Oliver Dowden) went to a state school,” the prime minister’s press secretary said.

“This is about having a strong and united team that’s focused on delivering for the public and bringing in some of that experience, with David Cameron on the foreign policy brief to deliver the best for the country.

“That’s what we’re focused on rather than tick-box diversity.”

She insisted that other women were getting good jobs in government, saying: “You will see a lot of women rising up the ranks today.

“What I will also say is Conservatives don’t do tick-box diversity.”

No 10 defends appointment of Cameron: We’re looking to the future

Monday 13 November 2023 17:06 , Matt Mathers

Rishi Sunak is “looking to the future” rather than dwelling on the past, Downing Street said as it defended making Lord David Cameron foreign secretary despite his opposition to Brexit.

The prime minister’s press secretary said: “We’re at a point now where we are looking to the future, we’re not looking to the past as a party.

“We have a PM that voted Brexit, believed in it, has championed it, so that’s what we’re focused on.”

Asked if Lord Cameron believes in Brexit, she said: “Yes, of course. We are making Brexit a success.”

Cameron: I’ll work with goverment to make UK ‘secure and prosperous’

Monday 13 November 2023 17:03 , Matt Mathers

Lord Cameron has made his first public remarks as the new foreign secretary.

He said he has one job – to work with the prime minister and other members of the government to make the UK as “secure and prosperous” as possible in a “difficult and dangerous world”.

He says he has given up all the other roles he previously held in charities and business.

‘Shambolic’ that UK has 16th housing minister since 2010 – campaign group

Monday 13 November 2023 17:00 , Matt Mathers

It is “frankly shambolic” that the UK is on to its 16th housing minister since 2010, a campaign group has said.

Tom Darling, of the Renters Reform Coalition, said: “Rachel Maclean attended our events and, though we don’t believe the government are going far enough on rental reform, she was always willing to engage with us – we wish her well for the future.

“It is frankly shambolic that we will now be on to our 16th  housing minister since 2010, and incredibly 9 just since the government promised to end no-fault evictions.

“Now, just before the first day of the important committee stage, which involves poring over the detail of the Bill, she is sacked – it makes a mockery of government and shows a shocking lack of respect for England’s 11 million private renters.

“Hopefully when we arrive for Bill Committee tomorrow morning there will be a minister there representing the government.”

Maclean has been replaced by Lee Rowley, the former local government minister.

Rachel Maclean was the 15th housing minister in 13 years (UK Parliament/PA) (PA Media)

Lee Rowley (PA)

Start job by going after polluting water firms, campaigners urge new environment secretary

Monday 13 November 2023 16:51 , Matt Mathers

New environment secretary Steve Barclay must start his new job by tackling the poor performance of polluting water companies, campaigners say.

“Steve Barclay is picking up a brief that has been neglected throughout the majority of his party’s time in office – there is a lot of lost time to make up for,” Paul de Zylva, nature campaigner at Friends of the Earth, said in a statement.

“Given the dire state of nature in the UK, he must start by urgently addressing the poor performance of polluting water companies and the regulator Ofwat.

“He must support farmers to work in harmony with nature and slash harmful emissions, and properly resource and restore trust in the government’s wildlife and environment watchdogs.”

(AP)

Revist decision not to cover cost of industrial action, NHS chief urges health sec

Monday 13 November 2023 16:41 , Matt Mathers

New health secretary Victoria Atkins should revisit the government’s decision not to cover the cost of industrial action in the health service, an NHS chief has said, Rebecca Thomas reports.

Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation, which represents hospitals and NHS services in England, said: “While Rt Hon Steve Barcley has clearly been a divisive health secretary, on behalf of our members we thank him for the progress he made to resolve the dispute with most trade unions that had facilitated strike activity and for the recent encouraging signs of progress in talks with the BMA.

“It is vital that the NHS does not face further industrial action as this threat, both in terms of the financial hit and the growing waiting lists, continues to weigh heavily on the health service.”

Cameron meets India’s external affairs minister

Monday 13 November 2023 16:31 , Matt Mathers

David Cameron began his tenure as foreign secretary by meeting India’s external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

The Indian minister, who had been scheduled to see James Cleverly, said it was a “pleasure” to meet Lord Cameron on his first day in office.

“Congratulated him on his appointment,” Mr Jaishankar said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “Held a detailed discussion on realizing the full potential of our strategic partnership.

“Also exchanged views on the situation in West Asia, the Ukraine conflict and the Indo-Pacific. “Look forward to working with him closely.”

Greg Hands: ‘Disappointed to be sacked as Tory chairman’

Monday 13 November 2023 16:25 , Matt Mathers

Greg Hands said he is “disappointed” to have been sacked as Tory chairman, but seems to be taking to the change well, Archie Mitchell reports.

Having been appointed for a fourth stint as trade minister, Mr Hands said “I even kept my business cards from last time”.

He added: “A fourth stint in the job!”

Cameron appointment ‘inspired’, says Tory grandee – but won’t change polls

Monday 13 November 2023 16:21 , Matt Mathers

Tory grandee Malcolm Rifkind said Rishi Sunak’s radical move to bring back David Cameron was “inspired”, as he also welcomed the end of Suella Braverman’s time at the Home Office, Adam Forrest reports.

“It’s an inspired choice. Because he was PM for six years, deeply involved in foreign policy, he stands from a much-better informed position,” the former foreign secretary told The Independent.

Mr Rifkind said: “She signed her own death warrant. You do not publicly accuse the police of political bias.”

“It doesn’t necessarily [put the Tories in a better position to win the next election]. The government is now stronger, it is more unified. But John Major had a first class foreign secretary and very good home secretary – it didn’t make any difference in 1997.”

Sir Malcolm Rifkind spoke in Edinburgh (Isabel Infantes/PA) (PA Archive)

Sunak had ‘no choice’ but to sack Suella, says right-winger

Monday 13 November 2023 16:21 , Matt Mathers

One right-wing Tory MP Philip Davies – a strong Braverman supporter and senior figure in the Common Sense Group, run by her mentor John Hayes MP – played down the idea of a confidence vote or push against Mr Sunak, Adam Forrest reports.

“It’s very sad as I agree with Suella on virtually everything, but I don’t think she left him [Mr Sunak] with much choice,” Mr Davies told The Independent

Tory MP Philip Davies

David Cameron will restore ‘sanity’, says Lord Heseltine

Monday 13 November 2023 16:11 , Matt Mathers

Former Tory PM Michael Heseltine has welcomed David Cameron’s return and the sacking of Suella Braverman, Adam Forrest reports. “She had to go,” he said.

The Tory grandee told The Independent: “He brings sanity to government. He brings experience, he brings a long perspective on British foreign police, despite the Brexit decision.”

He added: “They are sensible decisions, it is positive – but in the end it’s the economics which count. It won’t change the political climate dramatically because the underlying economic circumstances are extremely unattractive.”

Lord Heseltine (PA)

More housing ministers than Chelsea managers since 2010

Monday 13 November 2023 16:00 , Matt Mathers

Rachel Maclean’s departure from government means there have now been more housing ministers than Chelsea managers since 2010, when the Conservatives came to power (h/t Alex Selby-Boothroyd).

The Stamford Bridge outfit had developed a reputation for ruthlessly sacking managers under its previous owner Roman Abramovich, the oligarch with links to Russia who sold the club after being hit by sanctions amid the Kremlin’s war with Ukraine.

Maclean was the 15th housing minister since 2010.

Health secretary taking over ‘at a critical time’, health committee chair

Monday 13 November 2023 15:41 , Matt Mathers

Tory chair of parliament’s health committee Steve Brine has welcomed Victoria Atkins’s promotion to health secretary, Archie Mitchell reports.

But Mr Brine said her appointment comes at a “critical time” for the NHS, with waiting lists at record highs.

He said: “Preventing ill-health will be key to helping the NHS manage its resources. Prevention is one of this committee’s priorities and I hope it will be high up on the new Secretary of State’s agenda too.”

Mr Brine thanked former health secretary Steve Barclay and wished him well taking over as environment secretary.

Steve Brine (PA Archive)