By Ben Kerrigan-
Suella Braverman has been ousted from her role as home secretary after a public clash with No 10 over her controversial article accusing the Metropolitan Police of bias in handling protests.
The decision to remove Braverman comes as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak embarks on a major cabinet reshuffle, with James Cleverly named as her replacement and former Prime Minister David Cameron unexpectedly taking on the role of foreign secretary.
The dismissal follows accusations that Braverman’s article heightened tensions in the lead-up to protests in London, sparking a broader debate about the government’s handling of demonstrations and its impact on law enforcement.
Braverman’s article in The Times criticized the Metropolitan Police, alleging a “double standard” in their approach to policing right-wing demonstrations compared to other protests. The piece was not cleared by No 10, and it later surfaced that Braverman had defied Downing Street’s request to tone down the language.
The home secretary’s assertions triggered a political firestorm, with opposition parties and some Tory MPs calling for her dismissal. Shadow home secretary Yvette Cooper labeled Braverman’s actions as “highly irresponsible,” arguing that they exacerbated tensions and made the job of the police more challenging.
Suella Braverman, a prominent figure on the right wing of the Conservative party, has been in the spotlight since her appointment as home secretary by former Prime Minister Liz Truss. Seen as a standard bearer for right-wing ideologies, Braverman’s tenure has been marked by her outspoken views and conservative stances on various issues.
However, her leadership has not been without controversy. Past criticisms have questioned her handling of delicate matters, and this recent incident has only added to the concerns about her approach to the role of home secretary.
Following her dismissal, Braverman said “it has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary”.
“I will have more to say in due course,” she added.
As Rishi Sunak reshapes his top team in preparation for the upcoming Autumn Statement, the unexpected return of David Cameron to frontline politics has raised eyebrows. Cameron, out of Parliament since 2016, will take on the role of foreign secretary, with a seat in the House of Lords facilitating this move.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for a block on Cameron’s peerage, citing concerns over his lobbying activities for the now-collapsed finance company Greensill Capital. Labour’s Pat McFadden criticized the appointment, stating that it contradicted Sunak’s recent assertion that Cameron represented a “failed status quo.”
As Sunak’s reshuffle unfolds, two junior ministers have announced their departure from the government. Schools Minister Nick Gibb, a long-serving member, revealed his resignation and intention to step down as an MP in the next election.
Additionally, Neil O’Brien confirmed his exit from the role of health minister.
The prime minister’s official spokesman emphasized that the reshuffle aims to create a united team capable of delivering the transformative change the country needs.
As Braverman exits the stage, the spotlight remains on the evolving dynamics within the Conservative party and the strategic decisions shaping the UK government.
The aftermath of this reshuffle is likely to reverberate through political circles, influencing the government’s trajectory in the critical months ahead.