On Monday 13 November, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled his cabinet with changes made to some of the top roles.
Who’s in?
David Cameron: Appointed Foreign Secretary
Serving as former Prime Minister from 2010 – 2016, David Cameron’s return to politics was unexpected. Cameron headed the Remain Campaign during the 2016 Brexit Referendum, but resigned following the result in which 52 per cent of the nation voted leave. Whilst in government Cameron’s key policies included the introduction of austerity in the wake of the 2008 financial crash and the legalisation of same-sex marriage. Whilst not a current MP, Cameron has been able to return to government following his appointment to the House of Lords.
James Cleverly: Appointed Home Secretary
James Cleverly made the move from Foreign Secretary to Home Secretary, replacing Suella Braverman. Cleverly was a Brexiteer and a Liz Truss supporter. Cleverly currently serves as the MP for Braintree. In his first public comments having taken the role, Cleverly said his two main priorities in the role would be to stop small boats crossing the Channel from France and to keep people safe.
Victoria Atkins: Appointed Health Secretary
Former Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Atkins was appointed Health Secretary in a move that replaced Steve Barclay. Atkins backed Remain during the Brexit Referendum, in her first comments as newly appointed Health Secretary, Atkins has promised to reduce NHS waiting lists and increase funding.
Steve Barclay: Appointed Environmental Secretary
Steve Barclay was demoted from Health Secretary to Environment Secretary. Barclay during his time as Health Secretary published the NHS long-term workforce plan and fought with the striking health unions.
Who’s out?
Suella Braverman: Dismissed as Home Secretary
Suella Braverman’s dismissal followed a controversial article, not cleared by Downing Street that she wrote in The Times. The article accused the police of being inherently biased towards left-leaning protests. Though the article was sent to Downing Street for approval, a series of changes demanded by No 10 were not made. Braverman is the only Home Secretary to be dismissed twice from the role.
Thérèse Coffey: Dismissed as Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Coffey under Liz Truss served as both Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. She will now return to the backbenches.
Image Credits
Main image via “10 Downing Street” by Defence Images is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
David Cameron: “David Cameron – World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2011” by World Economic Forum is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
James Cleverly: “Official portrait of James Cleverly crop 2” by Chris McAndrew is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Victoria Atkins: “File:Official portrait of Victoria Atkins MP crop 2.jpg” by Richard Townshend is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Steve Barclay: “File:Official portrait of Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP crop 2.jpg” by Richard Townshend is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Suella Braverman: “File:Official portrait of Suella Braverman MP crop 2.jpg” by David Woolfall is licensed under CC BY 3.0.
Thérèse Coffey: “Therese Coffey MP” by PRASEG is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.