Former Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed Foreign Minister by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak following the sacking of Interior Minister Suella Braverman.
It was the latest reset for a prime minister whose Conservative Party lags far behind the Labour Party ahead of an election next year. Sunak's decision to bring Cameron back signaled that he wanted to bring in a more centrist, experienced hand rather than please the populist right of his party, which supported Braverman.
It also reignites the acrimonious argument over Brexit: Cameron held the referendum on EU membership in 2016 and was reviled by many on the party's right after campaigning to remain. He resigned shortly after Britain voted 52%-48% to leave.
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Sunak brought in friends and dismissed ministers he felt were underperforming after a ministerial change in response to mounting criticism of Braverman from opposition parliamentarians and members of the ruling Conservatives.
His hand was forced last week when the ever-controversial Braverman disobeyed him in an unapproved piece blaming police of "double standards" during protests, implying that they were tough on right-wing demonstrators but easy on pro-Palestinian marchers.
Her remarks, according to the main opposition Labour Party, heightened tensions between a pro-Palestinian demonstration and a far-right counter-protest on Saturday, when almost 150 people were arrested.
While her dismissal was no surprise, Cameron's appointment stunned the party. It was praised by centrist politicians but derided by those on the right as the ultimate "Brexit surrender."
Cameron expressed his delight at taking on his new role during a period of global transformation. "I understand it's unusual for a prime minister to return in this manner, but I believe in public service."
"I hope that six years as Prime Minister, 11 years leading the Conservative Party gives me some useful experience, contacts, relationships, and knowledge," he told reporters, adding that he will follow the government's lead despite previously disagreeing with Sunak.
