Cameron in, Braverman out: Rishi Sunak’s reshuffle
Nov 14, 2023
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Former prime minister David Cameron returns to the government after Rishi Sunak's reshuffle, while Suella Braverman is sacked. They discuss the implications for the party and country, including controversies, accusations, and the potential risks and impact on Rishi Sunak's image.
David Cameron's unexpected appointment as Foreign Secretary indicates a potential shift in the Conservative Party's foreign policy.
Rishi Sunak's cabinet choices reflect a more centrist approach, but associating with Cameron may expose Sunak to criticism regarding austerity and Brexit.
Deep dives
Reshuffle Drama: Swala Braverman Sacked as Home Secretary
The podcast episode discusses the recent UK government reshuffle, starting with the sacking of Swala Braverman as the Home Secretary. It highlights the controversial comments made by Braverman, including suggesting that people sleeping rough choose it as a lifestyle, which led to backlash from Conservative MPs. The episode also covers the surprise appointment of David Cameron as the new Foreign Secretary, which took many by surprise. It explores the implications of Cameron's appointment, considering his international standing but also his controversial foreign policy decisions, including his stance on China and Brexit. The episode speculates on Braverman's future ambitions and the potential tensions within the Conservative Party as Rishi Sunak tries to establish his leadership.
Rishi Sunak's Centrist Strategy and Challenges
The podcast episode delves into Rishi Sunak's political strategy and how it relates to the recent cabinet reshuffle. It notes that Sunak's cabinet choices, including Jeremy Hunt, James Cleverly, and David Cameron, reflect a more centrist approach, aligning with Sunak's attempt to present himself as a change candidate. However, the episode highlights the potential risks of associating with Cameron, given his connection to austerity and Brexit. It also discusses the challenges Sunak may face, particularly from the right-wing of his party, with potential debates over issues like the European Convention on Human Rights and a potential civil war within the Conservative Party.
The Discordant Swang Song of Swaile Braverman
The podcast episode examines the events that led to Swaile Braverman being sacked as the Home Secretary. It focuses on her controversial comments and policy positions, including her statements on homelessness and migrants, and the resulting backlash within and outside of the Conservative Party. The episode also discusses the reshuffle delay and how it represented a broader instability within the party. Additionally, it explores Braverman's potential trajectory and ambitions beyond her current role, particularly in relation to her stance on issues such as the Supreme Court ruling on Rwanda and her divergent politics from Rishi Sunak's centrism.
Former prime minister David Cameron is back in the government after Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle. Pressure had been mounting on Sunak to sack Suella Braverman after a controversial opinion piece in The Times last week. So why is Cameron back? And what do the appointments mean for the Conservatives and their election strategy?
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Guest: Steven Swinford, Political Editor, The Times.