By Ben Kerrigan-
Former Prime Minister David Cameron has made a sensational return to government, now assuming the role of UK Foreign Secretary.
This unexpected comeback, orchestrated by current Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, signals a bold move by Sunak to reshape his political landscape and reinvigorate his standing within the Conservative party.
Cameron, who left office in 2016 following the Brexit referendum defeat, has been granted a peerage to facilitate his return to government.
The announcement came as part of a broader cabinet reshuffle, with notable changes including the sacking of Suella Braverman as Home Secretary and the appointment of James Cleverly as her replacement.
The former prime minister took to social media, stating, “While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six – will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges.”
Cameron’s departure from politics in 2016 marked a significant moment in British political history, as he resigned in the wake of the Brexit referendum, which did not go in his favor. However, rumors of his desire to return to the political forefront surfaced in 2018, with a reported preference for the role of foreign secretary.
Maintaining a relatively low profile in the intervening years, Cameron found himself back in the public eye amid the Greensill Capital scandal, where he faced scrutiny for lobbying government ministers to secure financing for the now-insolvent financial services company.
Last month, Cameron re-entered the political fray, expressing disagreement with Sunak’s decision to cancel the HS2 high-speed train line between Birmingham and Manchester, stating, “We are heading in the wrong direction.” His return to the headlines indicated an eagerness to contribute to ongoing political discourse.
Cameron’s appointment as UK Foreign Secretary carries additional significance, considering his steadfast support for the UK’s commitment to spending 0.7% of gross national income on international aid—an undertaking that Sunak has since abandoned.
In his online statement, Cameron acknowledged differences but praised Sunak’s leadership, expressing a desire to contribute to the nation’s security and prosperity.
The move to bring back Cameron is likely to resonate positively with moderate factions within the Conservative party, who have expressed concern over the aggressively right-wing rhetoric of Suella Braverman.
However, it could also stoke resentment among some conservative ranks, particularly given Cameron’s association with the failed Remain campaign in the EU referendum.
Responding to Cameron’s appointment, Pat McFadden MP, Labour’s National Campaign Coordinator, remarked, “A few weeks ago Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo, now he’s bringing him back as his life raft. This puts to bed the prime minister’s laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure.”
Cameron’s return to a prominent governmental position adds a layer of intrigue to the ever-evolving narrative of British politics. The coming months will unveil the extent of Cameron’s influence on diplomatic affairs and whether his experience can help navigate the challenges facing the UK on the global stage.