Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman in his ministerial reshuffle and replaced her with James Cleverly – whilst David Cameron has been appointed as the new Foreign Secretary.
The former prime minister, who was given the role while in Number 10 this morning, said he “gladly accepted” the offer from Rishi Sunak, despite having “disagreed with some individual decisions” by his successor.
Mr Cameron called his new boss a “strong and capable prime minister who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time”, adding: “I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the general election is held.”
The ex-party leader is no longer an elected politician as he stood down as an MP in 2016, having called the Brexit referendum and his campaign to remain in the EU losing the vote.
But the government has confirmed he will now enter the House of Lords as a life peer, giving him the opportunity to serve as a minister once more.
The shock announcement came after the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary, who provoked widespread condemnation for an article she wrote in The Times, accusing the police of “playing favourites” with left-wing groups over right-wing and national activists. Her comments came just days after the branding marching calling for a ceasefire in Palestine ‘hate marches’.
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.’
Health Secretary Steve Barclay has now been confirmed as the new environment secretary, replacing Therese Coffey.
Victoria Atkins, has replaced Steve Barclay as the new Health Secretary.
Laura Trotthas been appointed chief secretary to the Treasury – a role that had been held by Tory MP John Glen.
Glen is now the government’s paymaster general.
Announcements of the new cabinet members are set to continue in the coming hours as posts such as science minister will be filled following PMGeorge Freeman says he is standing down “with a heavy heart”.