Britain’s former prime minister David Cameron (57) made a shock return to the British cabinet as foreign minister on Monday.
This follows after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made cabinet reshuffles in the run-up to a general election expected to take place next year.
Among other things, Sunak gave his minister of the interior, Suella Braverman, the go-ahead. It follows after critics accused Braverman of adding fuel to the fire of war between Israel and Palestine during protests – for and against Palestine – in Britain in recent weeks.
He replaced Braverman with James Cleverly – who had served as Secretary of State.
Cameron’s return was described by many as a “surprising appointment”.
He resigned as Britain’s prime minister in 2016 when the British decided to leave the European Union (EU) in a move that later became known as Brexit. He said at the time that the decision should be respected, but that he was not going to be the “captain” who was going to steer the ship through the difficult negotiations with the EU.
Cameron says he has accepted his new role as foreign minister with joy, however, as several “international challenges” face Britain.
“Although I have been on the political sidelines for seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative Party leader for 11 years and prime minister for six years – will help me to assist the prime minister in meeting these challenges.”
The changes to the cabinet were the first major shake-up since Sunak took over the reins in October last year.
Braverman did not comment on the changes, but simply said that serving as Secretary of the Interior was one of the greatest privileges of her life.
“I will say more in time.”
Meanwhile, Cameron’s appointment is divided, even among political analysts who were caught a little off guard by the announcement.
Several commentators believe that Cameron’s appointment is directly related to next year’s general election, while others are skeptical whether he will win the necessary votes for the Conservative Party and make any difference.
Although Cameron is a high-profile leader with strong connections worldwide, a poll in September indicated that only 45% of adults in Britain support him.
