LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak surprised many by appointing David Cameron to his government in a move meant to reassure his wavering supporters that the Conservative Party is not veering further to the right to win an upcoming election.
Sunak also used this reshuffle to dismiss his interior minister, Suella Braverman, after she published an unauthorized article criticizing the police’s handling of protests. Sunak’s reinstatement of Cameron, a prominent ‘remain’ campaigner in the 2016 European Union membership referendum, has sparked skepticism and concern among right-wing members of the party.
One Conservative lawmaker expressed reservations, pointing out Cameron’s association with lobbying work for a now-collapsed finance firm. The decision to dismiss Braverman, a prominent supporter of leaving the EU, has left an imbalance in the cabinet with more of Sunak’s top ministers backed remaining in the EU.
While Sunak himself supported Brexit, his actions in this reshuffle reflect an attempt to balance the interests of different factions within the party and project an image of being a decisive leader ready for change.
The appointment of Cameron is seen as a risky strategy, with one lawmaker questioning whether Sunak is “spoiling for a fight with Conservatives”. This move is also seen as an attempt to differentiate Sunak’s government from its recent volatile past under Liz Truss and Boris Johnson.
While some centrist lawmakers believe Cameron’s appointment brings experience and a moderate image to the party, it has done little to unite a party that has been plagued by infighting since the EU referendum announcement.
The reshuffle has also led to junior ministers resigning from their posts, prompting speculation and uncertainty about the future of Sunak’s leadership and the Conservative Party’s electoral chances.
Ipsos Director of Politics, Keiran Pedley, expressed doubts about Sunak’s strategy and emphasized the need for the Conservatives to change public perception regarding fixing the cost of living crisis and public services.
