Cameron makes admission in first Foreign Secretary interview

RECAP - Mirror's live blog closes after critics slam David Cameron's return to the Government

David Cameron has made a shock return to Government after Rishi Sunak finally sacked Suella Braverman as Home Secretary today.

Mirror's live blog delivered updates as Mr Sunak carried out a cabinet reshuffle, which also saw Therese Coffey heading to the backbenches.

But "scandal-hit" Mr Cameron, who was Prime Minister from 2010 to 2016, is now Foreign Secretary, an appointment immediately dismissed as having the "stench of desperation" by critics.

Former Tory MP Nadine Dorries says the Conservative Party is 'broken'

Former Tory MP Nadine Dorries has said the Conservative Party is "broken".

Speaking on Tonight with Andrew Marr on LBC, the former Culture Secretary also said it was "bonkers" for Suella Braverman to launch a leadership challenge.

Nadine, 66, added: "It won’t work, but what have they got to lose?"

Nadine Dorries has shared her thoughts on the cabinet reshuffle (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Rishi Sunak says the cabinet reshuffle has built a 'united team'

Rishi Sunak said the cabinet reshuffle had built a “united team”.

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the prime minister said: "Today we have built a united team ready to deliver the changes this country needs for the long term.

Richard 'shuts up' GMB guest who says Hancock 'deserved' being called 'd***head'

"Professionalism, integrity and experience – this is a team that will be bold in making the right decisions for our great country, not the easy ones."

In FULL - David Cameron shares why he's chosen to return to Government in TV interview

In one of his first TV interview since returning to Government, David Cameron has said he hopes to "keep our country strong."

Speaking to Sky News, he said in full: "I know it's not usual for a prime minister to come back in this way but I believe in public service. The Prime Minister asked me to do this job. It's a time where we have some daunting challenges as a country, the conflict in the Middle East war in Ukraine, and, of course, I hope six years as Prime Minister, 11 years leading the Conservative Party gives me some useful experience and contacts, relationships and knowledge that I can help the Prime Minister to make sure we build our alliances, we build partnerships with our friends, we deter our enemies and we keep our country strong. That's why I'm doing the job and I'm delighted to accept."

David Cameron meets Rishi Sunak as the Prime Minister reshuffles his cabinet (Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Str)

Rishi Sunak faces revolt as Tory MP delivers brutal warning in letter of no confidence

A Tory MP has submitted a letter of no confidence in Rishi Sunak, saying it is time for the Conservative leader "to go" amid his shock reshuffle.

Dame Andrea Jenykns - a Boris Johnson loyalist - hit out at the PM as David Cameron made a surprise return to the top of Government as Foreign Secretary. Mr Sunak also sacked the Home Secretary Suella Braverman after she defied No10 last week to publish an incendiary article on the pro-Palestine march without approval.

In a letter to the chairman of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbenchers Sir Graham Brady, which she posted online, the ex-minister Dame Andrea said: "Enough is enough. If it wasn't bad enough that we have a party leader that the members rejected, the polls demonstrate that the public reject him, and I am in full agreement. It is time for Rishi Sunak to go."

For the full story, click here.

Rishi Sunak faces more criticism (AFP via Getty Images)

Mirror's Jason Beattie offers insight into the return of David Cameron

Jason Beattie argues David Cameron's return is "unlikely to save Rishi Sunak's party from insolvency".

He writes: "Seven years ago, David Cameron left Downing Street for the political wilderness. He had gambled his career on Brexit and lost.

"The country lost too. The man who had promised stability and strong government had lit the touch paper on a political bomb whose explosion caused an unprecedented era of chaos."

For his full analysis, click here.

David Cameron is seen outside 10 Downing Street in London (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)

Rishi Sunak claims David Cameron will help deliver 'change' despite 13 years of Tory rule

Austerity architect David Cameron made a shock return to Government as Rishi Sunak tried to reboot his failing premiership.

After 13 years of Tory rule, the PM farcically claimed bringing back his predecessor as Foreign Secretary would help deliver the “change” the country needs. The former Tory leader who is no longer an MP was given a place in the House of Lords so he could take the £104,360-a-year job without voters getting a say.

His appointment came as Rishi Sunak held a major Cabinet reshuffle after he finally sacked Suella Braverman as Home Secretary in a telephone call this morning. The controversial Tory who had provoked anger with her comments about homeless people and pro-Palestine marches suggested she will not go quietly as she warned she would have "more to say".

For the full story, click here.

David Cameron speaks with the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak (Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Str)

Conservatives accidentally announce Esther McVey as Home Secretary

Someone must be feeling tired at the end of a long day Conservative HQ after the party accidentally announced Esther McVey as the new Home Secretary.

The official Conservative Party Instagram account posted a story that included a picture of her with the caption: "The Rt Hon Esther McVey MP appointed Secretary of State for the Home Department."

The MP has actually been given a job as a Cabinet Office minister, while James Cleverly is the new Home Secretary.

Bit of a slip up from Downing Street Instagram…I think… pic.twitter.com/e4vw8ihE7x

— Tom (@TomHulme79) November 13, 2023

Welfare slasher Esther McVey returns to Government

One-time welfare slasher Esther McVey was hauled back into government.

The former Work and Pensions Secretary, who held various ministerial posts at the department over a total of nearly three-and-a-half years, was drafted in as a Minister Without Portfolio in the Cabinet Office.

The divisive MP, who will make regular media appearances in her new role, will attend Cabinet. First elected to the Commons in 2010 as MP for Wirral West, she was booted out by voters ust five years later.

However, the snap election of June 2017 - and former Chancellor George Osborne’s decision to quit Parliament - handed her the safe Tory seat of Tatton in Cheshire. She and her husband Philip Davies, the Conservative MP for Shipley, West Yorks, co-present a show on GB News.

It was unclear on Monday what her promotion back to frontline politics will mean for her television career.But, as a Government minister, it is unlikely she will be able to hold onto her TV job and she will come under mounting pressure to resign from the channel.

Tory MP submits no confidence letter in Rishi Sunak amid reshuffle

The Tory MP Andrea Jenkyns has submitted a letter of no confidence in Rishi Sunak to the chairman of the party's 1922 Committee.

Ms Jenkyns said 'enough is enough', adding: 'I have submitted my vote of no confidence letter to the Chairman of the 1922. It is time for Rishi Sunak to go and replace him with a 'real' Conservative party leader'

"If it wasn't bad enough that we have a party leader that the members rejected, the polls demonstrate that the public reject him, and I am in full agreement. It is time for Rishi Sunak to go".

Read the full story here.

George Osborne hails 'return of the king' as chum David Cameron becomes Foreign Secretary

George Osborne accused Rishi Sunak of a “handbrake turn” tonight after the Prime Minister appointed David Cameron Foreign Secretary.

Mr Osborne hailed the “return of the king” as the PM turned to the former Tory leader in a last-ditch gamble to avoid defeat at next year’s general election.

He claimed: “I had an inkling that David might be asked to rejoin the Government but I had no idea that Rishi Sunak would go ahead with the reshuffle.”

Mr Cameron was summoned to No10 this morning where he agreed to come out of retirement and become Britain’s top diplomat. Former Chancellor Mr Osborne - the new Foreign Secretary’s best pal - hailed Mr Cameron’s political resurrection and took a swipe at Mr Sunak for previously blasting his legacy. The current PM used last month’s Conservative Party conference to present himself as an agent of “change” after 30 years of political failure.

David Cameron admits it's 'not usual' for ex-PMs to return to frontline politics

The new Foreign Secretary David Cameron has given his first interview and says he's resigned all the posts he held in the seven years out of frontline politics.

He attempted to dodge a question on his role in the Greensill lobbying scandal, but eventually said "all of that was in the past".

Questioned on his interventions in politics and criticism of specific policies of Rishi Sunak, the former Tory leader also said "on the whole" he's tried to keep out of politics.

"Of course I've disagreed with some of the decisions - but politics is a team enterprise. I'm a member of the team and I accept the Cabinet collective responsibility as part of that."

He acknowledged it is "not usual" for an ex-PM to return to frontline politics in the way he has - but said: "I believe in public service".

Mr Cameron added his 11 years as Tory leader and 6 six years as PM will help him bring experience and "contacts" to the role as Foreign Secretary.

Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman had a 'difference in style'

The PM's press secretary told reporters Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman, who was sacked as Home Secretary this morning, had a "difference in style".

It is understood Mr Sunak sacked the under-fire Home Secretary by phone on Monday morning. Last week she defied No10 by publishing an article criticising the policing of a pro-Palestinian march, without getting Downing Street's clearance.

The PM's press secretary also said the Tories "don't feel the need for tick box diversity" after Rishi Sunak appointed men to all the great offices of state, including the Treasury, Home Office and Foreign Office.

David Cameron will draw a £104,360 salary as a Lords cabinet minister

The new Foreign Secretary David Cameron will draw a £104,360 salary for his government position in the Lords No10 has said.

But he will not receieve the daily Lords allowance and will no longer claim the £115,000 a year for ex-PMs for the running of their office.

The Public Duty Costs allowance for ex-PMs is designed to allow them to "meet the actual cost of continuining to fulfil public duties".

Pressed about the lack of suitable MPs among the current crop of Tory MPs for the role of Foreign Secretary, the PM's press secretary claimed appointments to other Cabinet jobs shows there's "lots of talent coming through the ranks".

Rishi Sunak appoints 16th housing minister since 2010

Tory MP Lee Rowley appointed Rishi Sunak's new housing minister - the 16th housing minister since 2010.

Earlier Rachel Maclean, who had held the post since February, revealed she had been axed in the reshuffle.

She said: "I’ve been asked to step down from my role as Housing Minister. Disappointed and was looking forward to introducing the Renters Reform Bill to Committee tomorrow and later the Leasehold and Freehold Bill. It has been a privilege to hold the position and I wish my successor well."

Shelter said there had not been a minister "in the job long enough to get to grips with the problem" of "soaring" evictions and record high numbers of people in temporary accommodation.

The charity's chief executive Polly Neate described a "revolving door of housing ministers" which had proven "the Government's failure to grasp the scale and urgency of the housing emergency".

She said: "The 16th housing minister since 2010 has to hit the ground running and the first thing on their to-do list must be to pass a watertight Renters Reform Bill and scrap no-fault evictions.

"Time is of the essence for this Government to finally prioritise housing and push forward with the solutions that will end the housing emergency and improve people's lives - including building decent social homes, fixing private renting and making it more affordable."

David Cameron's 9 worst mistakes - Brexit, purring Queen gaffe and daughter left in pub

David Cameron is making a comeback as Foreign Secretary seven years after he left No10 when the Brexit referendum gamble went wrong.

During his six years in Downing Street he was responsible for imposing the austerity agenda that saw public services suffer brutal cuts. Many of his decisions have come back to bite the Government, including his failure to properly prepare for the threat of a pandemic.

The Tory ex-PM, who stood down as an MP in 2016, has been given a peerage so he can be a minister without having to get re-elected. Lord Cameron, as he will now be known, said he had “gladly accepted” the new role as the country faces a “daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East”.

Almost 6 in 10 think Sunak was right to sack Suella Braverman

Nearly six in 10 voters believe Rishi Sunak was right to sack Suella Braverman, according to snap polling.

Research by YouGov reveals that 57% of those polled believe the PM was right to dispatch his Home Secretary following a string of controversies. She is expected to be a thorn in his side as she prepares for a leadership challenge, but data suggests she's not well loved by the public.

The YouGov polling found that just 20% believe Mr Sunak was wrong to fire her, with the remaining 24% undecided.

(Getty Images)

New role for Greg Hands after party chair sacking

Two appointments have been announced together, including a role for ousted Tory chairman Greg Hands.

No10 has confirmed that John Glen is now Paymaster General, while Mr Hands has been unveiled as a Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade.

(AFP via Getty Images)

Science Minister quits after serving under five PMs

Science Minister George Freeman is another senior Tory leaving his role in today's reshuffle.

In a letter to Rishi Sunak, Mr Freeman said: "As agreed with the Chief Whip in September, I have with a heavy heart decided to step aside from Government and stand down as UK minister of state for science, technology & innovation. After 13 years championing science & technology & the importance of an active industrial strategy for innovation, in five ministerial roles under four prime ministers, I'm sure you will understand that this has not been an easy decision to make, but it is clear to me that the time has come for me to focus on my health, family wellbeing and life beyond the front bench."

Read the full list of who's in and who's out

(Bucks Titles)

Lindsay Hoyle says MPs must be able to scrutinise David Cameron

In a statement to the Commons, the Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle responded to David Cameron being appointed Foreign Secretary - in the House of Lords.

"Given the gravity of the current international situation it is especially important that this House is able to scrutinise the work of the FCDO effectively", he told MPs.

The Speaker added: "I have therefore commissioned advice from the clerks about possible options for enhancing (scrutiny) of the work of the Foreign Secretary when that post is filled by a member of the other House.

"I also look forward to hearing the Government's proposals on how the Foreign Secretary will be properly accountable to this House".

Victoria Atkins named Health Secretary after Steve Barclay demotion

Victoria Atkins is the new Health Secretary, the Tories have confirmed.

The move comes after Steve Barclay was demoted to Environment Secretary by Rishi Sunak. It is a big promotion for Ms Atkins, who steps up from financial secretary to the Treasury.

Read the full list of who's in and who's out

Vicky Atkins to Health, here we go

The NHS has record resources with the Conservatives: more nurses, more doctors, more money and a long-term workforce plan. pic.twitter.com/BNPqPF2dYU

— Conservatives (@Conservatives) November 13, 2023

Suella Braverman refuses to answer questions as she arrives home after sacking

Suella Braverman refused to answer questions as she arrived home after being sacked as Home Secretary.

A blacked-out grey van dropped Ms Braverman off at her Hertfordshire residence shortly before 2pm.

Excitement at Tory HQ as new chairman announced

Someone's getting very excited at Tory HQ.

The party has just confirmed that Richard Holden is the new party chairman. He'll be charged with trying to turn around the party's dire fortunes.

He replaces Greg Hands, who has come in for criticism after the Conservatives suffered a string of by-election defeats.

Read the full list of who's in and who's out

EXCLUSIVE: we have a new Party Chairman

See you in a minute, @RicHolden pic.twitter.com/N4N86Mc0Ra

— Conservatives (@Conservatives) November 13, 2023

Steve Barclay shifted to Environment Secretary after Coffey quits

Steve Barclay has been booted out as Health Secretary - shifting over to Therese Coffey's old job at DEFRA.

No10 has confirmed that Mr Barclay, who has been heavily criticised for his handling of NHS strikes, has been moved to Environment Secretary.

Read the full list of who's in and who's out

(Getty Images)

Tory anger at return of 'gutless' Cameron

The return of David Cameron hasn't gone down well across the Tory Party, as you'd expect.

Sky's Sophy Ridge has shared a screenshot of a leaked WhatsApp message sent by a Conservative MP after this morning's events. The unnamed Parliamentarian vented: "WTAF!!! DC had to resign because he failed to standup to the EU and is completely gutless, he won't be able to address the HOC (House of Commons) at questions whilst we are actually witnessing two major conflicts and finally he is an unelected FS (Foreign Secretary) appointed by an unelected PM. Let's see how this one plays out..."

Ex-Home Office chief says Cleverly will be 'easier to work with'

A former Home Office chief says James Cleverly will be "easier to work with" than Suella Braverman.

Ex permanent secretary Sir David Normington told the BBC's World at One programme: "I think they're certainly getting a new Home Secretary who will not foment division, who will get on better with the police, I think will be easier to work with."

He said he thought Mr Cleverly was a "good person to change the tone," adding: "You can be a tough home secretary without resorting to the kind of language that Suella Braverman resorted to."

Nadine Dorries claims reshuffle will pave way for George Osborne's return as Tory leader

Today's developments are paving the way for George Osborne to return as Tory leader, according to Nadine Dorries.

The former Culture Secretary, whose new book alleges there is a powerful cabal at the heart of the Tory Party pulling the strings of Government, said "nothing happens by accident".

She wrote on Twitter following David Cameron's return as Foreign Secretary: "Also, this now opens the door for the rerun of Osborne. He will want a safe seat, if such a thing exists and then into leader of the opposition slot. You heard it here first. Nothing happens by accident for these guys. It is all long planned."

(Coventry Telegraph)

David Cameron is first Foreign Secretary not to be an MP since 1982

There have been more than 40 Foreign Secretaries in the past 100 years, but only four have not been MPs.

Professor Richard Toye from the University of Exeter said: "In the nineteenth century, it was quite common for Foreign Secretaries to be members of the House of Lords. Since 1918, there have been more than forty holders of the office but only five of these have been peers. These were Lord Curzon (1919-24), Lord Reading (1931), Lord Halifax (1938-40), Lord Home (1960-63), and Lord Carrington (1979-82).

“The majority of these were weighty and influential figures - indeed, Home went on to become prime minister, albeit he had to disclaim his peerage. However, with only around a year left until the next general election, it will be hard for Lord Cameron to establish his authority, especially given that he is widely perceived as a political failure. In addition, MPs may become frustrated by their inability to question him directly in the Commons, where he will be represented by junior ministers."

Paymaster General Jeremy Quin stands down

With so much coming and going it's getting hard to keep up.

The latest is Jeremy Quin, who is leaving his role as Paymaster General. Mr Quin says he plans to "concentrate on projects in Horsham."

PM praises Therese Coffey in gushing letter after she quits

Mr Sunak has thanked Therese Coffey for "years of dedicated ministerial service and your friendship to me personally".

He said her "teamwork and positivity" had "helped bring everyone together" during a "difficult time for our party" when she took on roles as both health secretary and deputy prime minister. "I want to express my gratitude to you for your years of dedicated ministerial service and your friendship to me personally," he said in a letter to Ms Coffey.

"You have driven work across Government to support the rural economy and taken measures to protect food production here at home. You have been a consistent champion of better rural broadband."

He added: "I am also grateful to you for all your work as health secretary and deputy prime minister which helped prepare the health service for the winter. In a difficult time for our party - your teamwork and positivity helped bring everyone together."