The Cabinet reshuffle: Everything you need to know

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has held a cabinet reshuffle, bringing back ex-prime minister Lord David Cameron as foreign secretary and many other changes. But what does this even mean?

David Cameron takes a place in the House of Lords as part of this transition. James Cleverly has also now become the Home Secretary. Cleverly takes over the Home Office, succeeding Suella Braverman, who Sunak dismissed following contentious remarks.

Some significant changes the government has undergone in the last few days include:

James Cleverly – Home secretary

On Monday, James Cleverly took the role of Home Secretary, replacing Braverman and transitioning from his previous position as Foreign Secretary. Cleverly has represented Braintree in Essex since 2015 as a Member of Parliament and has held prominent positions on the front benches under the last three prime ministers.

Steve Barclay – Environment Secretary

Steve Barclay has taken over the environmental brief, succeeding Thérèse Coffey, an ally of Liz Truss. His previous position was overseeing England’s extensive National Health Service.

Barclay’s career has seen diverse turns, with prominence as Brexit Secretary in Theresa May’s government and a brief stint as Health Secretary under Boris Johnson.

However, he was swiftly removed from the Cabinet during Liz Truss’ brief administration. Barclay returned to a significant role when Rishi Sunak assumed the position of prime minister.

Victoria Atkins – Health Secutary 

Victoria Atkins, a close associate of Sunak, has progressed from her role as Financial Secretary to the Treasury to assume the position of Health Secretary. 

Serving as an MP since 2015, Atkins previously resigned as a Justice Minister during a series of departures that led to the downfall of Boris Johnson. 

Her return to government occurred when Sunak took the role of prime minister. With a familial connection to politics as the daughter of former Tory MP Robert Atkins, Atkins has a longstanding engagement in the political arena.

Richard Holden – Party chairman 

Richard Holden has landed a significant role as the new Conservative Party Chairman, gearing up for an anticipated challenging election next year. 

He replaces Greg Hands, who is taking on the role of Trade Minister for the fourth time. 

Holden, formerly the Roads Minister, is known for representing the government in the media and will now serve as a Minister without Portfolio. This position combines being an advocate and a behind-the-scenes problem solver.

Overview 

The reshuffling of ministers came in response to increasing criticism of Mrs Braverman regarding her comments about policing in anticipation of a pro-Palestinian march in London over the weekend.

The cabinet reshuffle means that, for the first time since the Conservatives won the election in 2010, none of the four highest-ranking cabinet positions are held by women.

Additionally, notable changes include:

• Laura Trott was elevated to the role of Treasury Chief Secretary.
• Former Chief Secretary John Glen took the position of Paymaster General.
• Mr. Hands was assigned a ministerial role in the Department for Business and Trade.
• Former Work and Pensions Secretary Esther McVey’s return as a Cabinet Office minister.
• Lee Rowley taking over the role of Housing Minister, succeeding Rachel Maclean.