With a general election likely to take place within the next 12 months, Rishi Sunak, the prime minister, has today announced significant changes to the government, including Suella Braverman’s departure as home secretary.

In a post on the Conservative party’s social media, it is claimed that Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle “strengthens his team in government to deliver long-term decisions for a brighter future” after recent opinion surveys in the UK showed the Labour party currently leading the polls.

Who has been appointed as home secretary?

Suella Braverman was sacked as home secretary after the prime minister came under pressure to remove her from office following a series of inflammatory remarks. Over the weekend, figures including Sadiq Khan urged Sunak to act after accusing her of riling up the far-right amid political protests. The Mayor of London said violent clashes involving counter-protesters were a “direct result” of the home secretary’s words, after she accused the Metropolitan police of bias towards “pro-Palestinian mobs”.

Braverman also came under fire for proposing new laws to restrict the use of tents by homeless people, arguing that many of them see it as a “lifestyle choice”. In response to her plan to introduce new penalties for homeless people who authorities believe have rejected offers of help, housing charity Shelter said: “Nobody should be punished for being homeless.”

In a statement released after her sacking, 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.” James Cleverly, who had been foreign secretary, has been moved to take over the Home Office brief.

Who has been appointed as foreign secretary?

Shortly after Braverman’s exit, David Cameron, the former prime minister, was appointed foreign secretary and handed a barony so he can serve in government again. Cameron is not currently an MP or a member of the House of Lords after stepping down in 2016.

“The prime minister has asked me to serve as his foreign secretary and I have gladly accepted,” he shared in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

“We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

“While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience – as Conservative leader for 11 years and prime minister for six – will assist me in helping the prime minister to meet these vital challenges.”

Among the other changes, Will Quince, a health minister, also announced that he is stepping down from his government role. Quince, who is not standing at the next general election, said in a letter to Rishi Sunak that “now feels like the right time to leave HM government”. 

Jeremy Hunt will remain as chancellor of the exchequer, Downing Street has said. 

Images: Getty