Suella Braverman sacked – latest: Sunak begins reshuffle after Palestine march row as David Cameron to get job

Rishi Sunak has sacked Suella Braverman as home secretary, sparking a major reshuffle of his top team – with former prime minister David Cameron now expected to be handed a job after a shock appearance at Downing Street.

After days of intense pressure to axe Ms Braverman, the prime minister asked her to leave the government and she accepted. James Cleverly has been moved from foreign secretary to replace her at the Home Office, Downing Street has confirmed.

Ms Braverman sparked outrage after claiming that Metropolitan Police favouritism had stopped far-right protests but permitted “pro-Palestine mobs” to rally, ahead of the Gaza march set to take place on Armistice Day.

Downing Street did not approve the final text of Ms Braverman’s incendiary op-ed for The Times, with Rishi Sunak’s officials’ requests for changes ignored by the home secretary.

The dramatic move threatens to open up a major rift between Mr Sunak and backbench Tory MPs, with those on the right of the party having threatened to rebel if Ms Braverman was ousted.

Key Points

• James Cleverly replaces Suella Braverman as home secretary

• David Cameron seen entering No 10

• Braverman U-turns to praise ‘brave’ police after day of protest violence

• Veteran schools minister to stand down as MP after 26 years

Tory chairman suggests Cameron appointed to appeal to Lib Dem ‘switchers’

14:05 , Matt Mathers

Conservative chairman Greg Hands has suggested that David Cameron was appointed to shore up support in “blue wall” seats in the south of England vulnerable to being taken by the Lib Dems, Adam Forrest reports.

He said the Lib Dem call for Cameron’s peerage to be blocked was a “spectacular misjudgement” – before admitting Cameron “has strong appeal to Conservative/LibDem switchers”.

No 10 struggling to find housing minister - report

14:00 , Matt Mathers

No 10 is struggling to find a new housing minister following the departure of Rachel Maclean.

Several people, including the departing Jeremy Quin (see below) are said to have turned the position down, The Times’s Steven Swinford reports.

Kemi Badenoch, the business secretary, appeared to express her disappointment at Maclean’s departure in a message on X that was reposted by Michael Gove, the levelling up secretary.

PM ‘lacks options on the right wing’, say Tory MP

13:50 , Matt Mathers

Right-wing Simon Clarke, who was a close ally of Liz Truss, has made a dig at Rishi Sunak with a joke about football, Adam Forrest reports.

“Some controversial choices here from the manager, putting it very mildly.

“Never wise to lack options on the right wing – the squad risks being badly unbalanced,” tweeted the red wall MP.

Watch: Who’s in and out so far?

13:40 , Matt Mathers

What other big names have gone into No 10?

13:28 , Matt Mathers

Steve Barclay (health) and Jeremy Hunt (chancellor) are among the other big names to have entered No 10 in the past hour but whose positions have not yet been confirmed.

Laura Trott, the minister for pensions who has been previously tipped for a cabinet position, went through the big black door at 1.10pm.

She was preceded by Victoria Atkins, the financial secretary to the Treasury, who went in shortly after 1pm.

Badenoch disappointed at Maclean depature

13:25 , Matt Mathers

Business secretary Kemi Badenoch expressed unhappiness at the departure of outgoing housing minister Rachel Maclean from the government.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, the Cabinet minister said: “Very sorry to see you leave government, @redditchrachel.

“You were an excellent minister, always attentive to MPs and their constituents and got some very tricky legislation over the line!”

Cabinet Office minister Jeremy Quin resigns

13:15 , Matt Mathers

Jeremy Quin, minister of the Cabinet Office and paymaster general, has resigned from the government.

In a statement on X, Mr Quin said he stepped back to “focus on projects in Horsham” - his constituency.

He said that he had been given assurances that he could continue in government but decided to quit anyway.

Mr Quin said it had been an “honour” to serve. You can read his statement in full here:

Sunak told to ‘prepare for war’ – as right-wingers claims rebellion afoot

13:11 , Matt Mathers

Former Tory MP Neil Parish, who was forced to quit after watching pornography in the House of Commons, said Mr Sunak should “prepare for war” over the sacking, Adam Forrest reports.

He told GB News: “Rishi Sunak better prepare for war I think because of course she is very much, Suella, the standard bearer of the right of the party.”

David Campbell Bannerman – chair of Tory members’ group the Conservative Democratic Organisation – told The Independent Conservative MPs were organising behind the scenes and “the numbers are now there” for a no confidence vote in Mr Sunak (it required 53 letters).

The New Conservatives group of right-wingers led by Danny Kruger and Miriam Cates is said to be meeting later today.

Housing minister ‘disappointed’ to be sacked in reshuffle

12:58 , Andy Gregory

Tory MP Rachel Maclean has said she is “disappointed” after being sacked as housing minister.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, 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.”

Majority of public opposed Cameron return in 2018, poll found

12:55 , Andy Gregory

Some 53 per cent of voters opposed the idea of David Cameron returning as foreign secretary, when polled back in 2018 by YouGov.

This compared with 22 per cent who welcomed the idea, after a report in The Sun had carried claims that the ex-PM was “bored ****less” and was open to a return to frontline politics (see post at 9:21am).

Five years later, that has become an unexpected reality.

Breaking: Therese Coffey quits as environment secretary

12:55 , Andy Gregory

Therese Coffey has quit the cabinet, telling Rishi Sunak it is “the right time” to step back from government.

The former environment secretary said it was a “privilege” to serve in cabinet, setting out her proudest achievements as a minister.

But Ms Coffey, who also served as deputy prime minister under Liz Truss, said she has “always been most proud” to represent her Suffolk Coastal constituents.

Mr Sunak said: “I want to express my gratitude to you for your years of dedicated ministerial service and your friendship to me personally.”

More Tory moderates welcome Suella sacking

12:52 , Adam Forrest

Senior Tory MP Tobias Ellwood has welcomed the sacking of Suella Braverman and appointment of David Cameron – saying it would reach beyond the right-wing members.

“The prime minister now has an opportunity to regroup his cabinet with a clear centre-right vision that looks beyond our party base,” Mr Ellwood told The Independent.

John Stevenson, leader of the Northern Research Group, told The Independent Mr Sunak was right to sack her. “The way she was conducting herself was not right for a home secretary.”

Mr Stevenson welcomed the return of “class act” David Cameron. “It’s bold and exciting. He’s well-respected internationally and it demonstrates the desire to form a grow-up government.”

Tory MP Richard Graham welcomed the “strong appointments by the PM” – praising Mr Cameron’s “depth of experience” and said Mr Cleverly was “calm in crises”.

How can David Cameron re-join the Cabinet without being an MP?

12:51 , Andy Gregory

The reason David Cameron can return to Cabinet despite no longer serving as an elected MP is that King Charles III has just handed him the “dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life”, a hastily-awarded life peerage that entitles him to enter the House of Lords and therefore take up the role.

This is permitted because, under Britain’s unwritten constitution, it does not expressly say that a person must be an MP to become a minister. However, the ministerial code does stipulate that a secretary of state must be a member of the House of Commons or the Lords in order to qualify for the position.

Making Mr Cameron a peer, therefore, clears the path for him to serve as foreign secretary, although the process of formalising his title could take several weeks as it will require a number of legal documents, including letters patent and a writ of summons, to be drafted, submitted and approved.

My colleague Joe Sommerlad has more details here:

David Cameron: How can ex-PM join the Cabinet without being an MP?

Health secretary arrives at No 10

12:47 , Andy Gregory

Steve Barclay has arrived at Downing Street amid the ministerial reshuffle.

The health secretary walked inside No 10 shortly after 12.30pm.

Ask John Rentoul anything about Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle

12:44 , Andy Gregory

What happens next for the Tory party? And how will the appointment of David Cameron impact what Rishi Sunak does next? Is this a desperate ploy from a Conservative Party clinging on by the skin of its teeth? And how will Mr Sunak deal with growing divisions in the party?

The Independent’s chief political commentator John Rentoul will be running an “Ask Me Anything” event at 1pm tomorrow answering your questions about the Cabinet reshuffle.

Register to submit your question in the comments box under this article:

Rishi Sunak’s dramatic cabinet reshuffle – ask John Rentoul anything

Tory right-wingers don’t have the numbers to oust Sunak, says moderate

12:40 , Andy Gregory

Our political correspondent Adam Forrest reports:

Senior Tory MP Stephen Hammond has said the right-wingers angry about Suella Braverman’s sacking don’t have the numbers to oust Rishi Sunak, despite claims more than 50 are ready to send no-confidence letters in the PM.

“All too often the right has shown itself to be well organised and noisy so that the impact is somewhat larger than the reality of their numbers,” Mr Hammond told The Independent – who said the sacking of Ms Braverman was “completely correct”.

“There may be lots of noise again. However, the PM has chosen to make this a more centrist and centre-right government which will guarantee him more support amongst colleagues.”

Cameron is ‘unelected failure’, says Labour’s David Lammy

12:36 , Adam Forrest

Labour’s shadow foreign secretary David Lammy said: “David Cameron was a disastrous PM. This is a last gasp act of desperation from a government devoid of talent and ideas.

“Amid international crisis, Sunak has chosen an unelected failure from the past who MPs cannot even hold to account.”

Sunak facing right-wing backlash for sacking Braverman: ‘Today is a mistake’

12:34 , Andy Gregory

Rishi Sunak is facing a backlash from right-wing Tory MPs with a warning that Suella Braverman‘s sacking as part of a shock cabinet reshuffle is a mistake.

The chair of Tory members’ group the Conservative Democratic Organisation had warned it would be a “kamikaze move” and said Mr Sunak “may as well put in 54 no confidence letters himself”.

David Campbell Bannerman said on Monday that Conservative MPs were organising behind the scenes and “the numbers are now there” for a no confidence vote in Mr Sunak.

If 54 backbench Tories submit letters of no confidence to the 1922 committee, Mr Sunak would face a confidence vote in his leadership. A moderate Tory MP suggested the number of MPs rebelling was much lower.

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has more in this report:

Rishi Sunak facing right-wing backlash for sacking Suella and appointing Cameron

David Cameron called Gaza a ‘prison camp’ and criticised Israel

12:32 , Andy Gregory

New foreign secretary David Cameron has previously called Gaza “a prison camp” and has criticised Israel’s ”illegal” settlements in Palestinian territory, reports our politics and Whitehall editor Kate Devlin.

On a visit to Turkey in 2010 the former Conservative prime minister said: “Gaza cannot and must not be allowed to remain a prison camp”, in comments which could prove incendiary as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza continues to ramp up.

David Cameron called Gaza a ‘prison camp’ and criticised Israel

Nadine Dorries: ‘David Cameron now… George Osborne is next’

12:06 , Archie Mitchell

Nadine Dorries believes David Cameron’s return paves the way for George Osborne to become Tory leader.

The former culture secretary said “nothing happens by accident” and that the former chancellor would be the next to mount a comeback.

Writing on X, Ms Dorries said: “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.”

Cameron won’t be accountable, Tory MP complains

11:51 , Adam Forrest

Tory MP Sir Michael Fabricant has complained that David Cameron “won’t be accountable to MPs other than before a select committee” – noting that he will not be allowed to make statements, answer urgent questions, or take part in foreign office questions in the Commons.

‘New Conservatives’ could meet to discuss Braverman leadership bid, source claims

11:40 , Andy Gregory

There are rumours in Whitehall of a meeting of the “New Conservatives” group later today, with a Suella Braverman leadership bid strategy on the agenda, a senior Conservative source has told Sky News.

Cleverly asked whether he wants to distance himself from Braverman rhetoric

11:28 , Andy Gregory

The new home secretary James Cleverly has been asked whether he wants to distance himself from the language of his predecessor Suella Braverman.

He told broadcasters: “Well, I intend to do this job in the way I feel best protects the British people and our interests.

“I have had a very good conversation with the Prime Minister, who had made it very clear that he wants us to deliver on our promises to stop the boats, to protect the British people, make sure everybody feels secure in their lives.”

Cleverly ‘committed to stopping the boats'

11:24 , Andy Gregory

New home secretary James Cleverly has said he would be “committed” to “stopping the boats”.

Speaking to broadcasters after being moved from the foreign secretary post, he said it had been a “huge privilege” to hold that role.

He said: “In that time I worked very closely with my colleagues in the Home Office, cracking down on illegal migration, reducing the number of small boats arrivals, and now as the home secretary I am absolutely committed to stopping the boats as we promised, but also making sure that everybody in the UK feels safe and secure going about their daily business knowing that the government is here to protect them.

“It is a real privilege to serve.”

Cameron return ‘shows how tired Tory government is’, says Mhairi Black

11:14 , Andy Gregory

The return of the “architect of 13 years of Tory austerity cuts” shows “how tired this Tory government is”, the SNP has said.

The party’s Westminster deputy leader Mhairi Black said: “The fact that Rishi Sunak has had to resurrect David Cameron shows how tired this Tory government is.

“People in Scotland will be appalled that the architect of thirteen years of Tory austerity cuts, and the disastrous Brexit referendum, is back in government.’’

Transport minister quits

11:12 , Andy Gregory

Jesse Norman, the MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, said he has quit as a minister in the Department for Transport.

“It has been a great honour to serve in successive governments since 2016,” Mr Norman said in a letter to Rishi Sunak.

“Thank you for the calm, focused and long-term leadership you have given this country over the past year.”

Cleverly opposed government plans to use RAF base in his own constituency to house asylum-seekers

11:11 , Andy Gregory

The new home secretary has previously fought against government plans to use a former RAF base in his Braintree constituency to house asylum-seekers, our social affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports.

James Cleverly took to Facebook in March to reassure constituents that he had told the immigration minister that it was not appropriate accommodation.

“I highlighted the remote nature of the site, the limited transport infrastructure and narrow road network and that these factors would mean the site wasn’t appropriate for asylum accommodation,” he wrote.

After the home office confirmed that the site would be used anyway, he reiterated his opposition to the plan, saying: “I have made my views on the site clear from the beginning.”

Braverman's most controversial moments as she is sacked as home secretary

11:05 , Andy Gregory

New home secretary in favour of staying in the European Court of Human Rights

11:03 , Andy Gregory

Our social affairs correspondent Holly Bancroft reports:

By bringing in James Cleverly as home secretary, prime minister Rishi Sunak has avoided a clash with Suella Braverman on what to do next if flights to Rwanda are grounded on Wednesday. Ms Braverman had been in favour of leaving the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), a move popular with the hard right of the Conservative Party.

Mr Sunak reportedly disagreed with this and Ms Braverman was apparently considering resigning on principle on the issue if the Supreme Court judges ruled against the government.

Mr Cleverly, who was previously foreign secretary, has said he is “not convinced” that leaving the ECHR is necessary to ensure the UK’s tough approach to immigration. He told The Guardian in April that the UK should not wish to join Belarus and Russia, the only European countries outside the ECHR.

He defended the UK’s ability to influence and make changes within the ECHR, saying: “We are a serious player on the world stage.”

Rees-Mogg: Sunak has made a mistake by sacking Suella Braverman

11:02 , Archie Mitchell

Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg has said Rishi Sunak made a mistake by sacking Suella Braverman, fuelling fears he will face a revolt from right-wing Tory MPs.

The former business secretary said Ms Braverman “understands what the country thinks about migration” and was “committed to delivering something that the country thinks is important”.

“From the point of view of the Conservatives winning the next election, today is a mistake because Suella understood what the British voter thought and was trying to do something about it,” he told GB News.

On the return of David Cameron, Sir Jacob added: “David Cameron got the Brexit issue wrong in terms of the Conservative Party and indeed the country at large who voted to leave but he did give us the choice to have the vote.”

Matt Hancock: Return of Cameron is a ‘brilliant decision’

10:59 , Andy Gregory

The return of David Cameron is a “brilliant decision” by Rishi Sunak, Matt Hancock has said.

The former health secretary, who was first promoted to the front bench by Mr Cameron in 2012, said his appointment would be “superb” for Britain.

The now independent MP said: “Brilliant decision by the PM to make David Cameron Foreign SecretarySuperb for Great Britain - bringing his experience to guide us through difficult times.

“Excellent for the Conservatives, showing Rishi Sunak will fight the election on the centre ground.”

Health minister quits in reshuffle

10:57 , Andy Gregory

Will Quince has quit as a minister in the Department of Health and Social Care.

He said he was leaving as he was standing down at the next election and would now focus on his training as a specialist reserve officer in the Army and his work as a constituency MP.

Cameron criticised foreign aid budget cut when Sunak was chancellor

10:55 , Andy Gregory

Our Whitehall and politics editor Kate Devlin notes that David Cameron was also critical of the government’s decision to deviate from the commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of GDP on international aid while Rishi Sunak was chancellor.

The ex-PM said he “deeply regretted” the decision taken by Boris Johnson’s government, as he raised the questions of “do we care, do we act, and do we lead?”

The merger of the now-defunct Department for Interational Development and the Foreign Office means that international aid will now be part of Mr Cameron’s purview as foreign secretary.

Cameron is 15th former PM to return to government since 18th century

10:47 , Andy Gregory

David Cameron has become the 15th former prime minister to serve in a later government led by someone else.

According to a government blog from November 2012, 14 ex-premiers have previously come back in a different government role since the 18th century.

Sir Alec Douglas-Home, who served for just under a year as prime minister after taking office in October 1963, was later appointed foreign secretary by Edward Heath. He held the role from 1970 until 1974 and is the last former PM to return to government under a different leader.

In earlier years, Arthur Balfour, who served as prime minister from 1902 until 1905, came back to government in the roles of the first lord of the admiralty in the wartime coalition, and then foreign secretary under David Lloyd George.

During the Second World War, Neville Chamberlain – who was succeeded by Sir Winston Churchill – went on to serve as lord president of the council in his Cabinet.

Cameron says ‘daunting’ international challenges facing UK

10:46 , Andy Gregory

David Cameron has cited wars in Ukraine and Gaza as he cited a “daunting set of international challenges” facing the UK as he is appointed foreign secretary.

“We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard,” the former Tory prime minister said.

Analysis | Sacked! But don’t worry: Suella Braverman has next to no chance of becoming Tory leader

10:39 , Andy Gregory

Our chief political commentator John Rentoul writes:

Suella Braverman, as many predicted, is gone – Rishi Sunak has sacked his divisive home secretary as part of a reshuffle after the pro-Palestine march row turned nasty.

In doing so, the prime minister has effectively fired the starting gun in the battle to succeed him as Tory leader. When (and let’s face it, it is when and not if) Sunak leads his party to defeat at the next election, Braverman has now laid her claim to be the right wing favourite to succeed him.

Free of her cabinet responsibilities, she is sure to use the time between now and polling day to campaign hard to be next Conservative leader. But could she really make it? I’m not so sure.

Suella Braverman has next to no chance of becoming Tory leader | John Rentoul

Yvette Cooper: ‘Sunak should never have appointed Braverman in first place’

10:38 , Archie Mitchell

Labour’s Yvette Cooper said Suella Braverman has now been sacked twice as home secretary, adding: “Rishi Sunak should never have re-appointed her in first place.”

The shadow home secretary said: “Suella Braverman has now been sacked twice as Home Secretary.

“Rishi Sunak shd never have re-appointed her in first place. He was warned against it & was warned on the damage she was doing. He went along with her undermining the police.

“Buck still stops with this weak PM”.

Theresa May ‘looking forward to working with David Cameron again'

10:37 , Andy Gregory

Former PM Theresa May has said she is looking forward to working with her predecessor David Cameron again:

David Cameron appointment will draw ‘ton of snark’, says Ruth Davidson

10:36 , Andy Gregory

The former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has predicted “a ton of snark” around David Cameron’s shock appointment as foreign secretary – but welcomes a departure from the tradition of putting former prime ministers “out to pasture”.

Rwanda ‘dream’ to ‘tofu-eating wokerati’: 13 of Suella Braverman’s biggest controversies

10:31 , Andy Gregory

Suella Braverman was no stranger to controversy in her time as home secretary, which came to an end after she was sacked in a Cabinet reshuffle.

Here my colleague Albert Toth takes a look at the major controversies from Ms Braverman’s time in office:

Keep up to date with the latest politics news

10:30 , Andy Gregory

It’s been an extraordinary morning in UK politics, with David Cameron making a sensational return to frontline politics as foreign secretary.

With stories often moving a break-neck pace it can be hard to keep up with the latest news. Luckily The Independent is always here to keep you expertly informed.

If you want alerts on breaking news straight to your phone, sign up to our WhatsApp channel here.

For exclusive analysis of the day in politics sign up to our free View from Westminster newsletter here.

And for the best inside stories and great gossip from behind the corridors of power, subscribe to Independent Premium and receive John Rentoul’s weekly Commons Confidential email.

Lib Dems: ‘Cameron peerage should be blocked given his shady past’

10:29 , Archie Mitchell

The Liberal Democrats have said David Cameron’s peerage should be scrapped over his role at the heart of the Greensill lobbying scandal.

The former PM was found to have extensively lobbied ministers including then chancellor Rishi Sunak to support Greensill Capital, a supply-chain finance firm which went bust in 2021 for which he was an adviser.

Responding to the news that Mr Cameron has been appointed foreign secretary, Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Layla Moran said: "Bringing back a scandal-hit, unelected former Prime Minister who has been criticising Sunak's government at every turn has the stench of desperation. There is not even the bottom of the barrel left for Sunak to scrape in the Conservative party.

“David Cameron was at the heart of the biggest lobbying scandal of recent times. Handing him a peerage makes a mockery of our honours system. Cameron’s peerage should be blocked given his shady past.”

Sunak ‘showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time’, says Cameron

10:28 , Andy Gregory

New foreign secretary Lord David Cameron said that while “I may have disagreed with some individual decisions” made by Rishi Sunak, he “is a strong and capable prime minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time”.

The ex-PM recently criticised Mr Sunak for squandering a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” in deciding to axe the northern leg of HS2.

Deputy PM and ex-Cameron aide ‘led reshuffle talks’, report suggests

10:26 , Andy Gregory

Deputy PM Oliver Dowden – who was formerly a senior aide to David Cameron – led talks for a Cabinet reshuffle, Bloomberg’s Alex Wickham reported last week.

Tractor porn former Tory MP tells Sunak to ‘prepare for war’

10:18 , Archie Mitchell

The tractor porn former Tory MP Neil Parish has told Rishi Sunak to “prepare for war” after sacking Suella Braverman.

He told GB News: “Rishi Sunak better prepare for war I think because of course she is very much, Suella, the standard bearer of the right of the party.

“Now, I can understand, as home secretary she was probably ill-advised to make these comments, the problem is she does reflect a lot of opinion in the country and it will be very interesting now to see what happens, but I suspect Rishi Sunak in the end was left with no alternative.”

David Cameron slammed Rishi Sunak for scrapping HS2 last month

10:18 , Archie Mitchell

David Cameron’s sensational return to the cabinet comes just a month after he slammed Rishi Sunak’s decision to scrap HS2’s northern leg.

The former prime minister attacked Mr Sunak for squandering a “once-in-a-generation opportunity”.

Mr Cameron, writing on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter, said: “Today’s decision on HS2 is the wrong one. It will help to fuel the views of those who argue that we can no longer think or act for the long-term as a country; that we are heading in the wrong direction.”

Cameron to enter Lords in order to become foreign secretary

10:16 , Andy Gregory

Former Conservative prime minister David Cameron has been named foreign secretary in a shock appointment as part of the Rishi Sunak’s cabinet reshuffle.

The stunning move will see the Tory grandee – who occupied No 10 between 2010 and 2016 – enter the Lords so he can take up one of the top jobs in government.

Our political correspondent Adam Forrest has more in this report:

David Cameron made foreign secretary in Rishi Sunak reshuffle

Labour: ‘Sunak said Cameron was part of failed status quo’

10:11 , Andy Gregory

Labour has pointed to Rishi Sunak’s claim last month that David Cameron was part of a “failed status quo”, mocking him for reappointing the former PM.

Pat McFadden MP, Labour’s National Campaign Coordinator, said: “A few weeks ago, Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo, now he’s bringing him back as his life raft.

“This puts to bed the Prime Minister's laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure.”

Jeremy Hunt is safe, Downing Street confirms

10:04 , Archie Mitchell

Jeremy Hunt can breathe a sigh of relief as Downing Street confirmed he is staying in post.

There has been speculation that Rishi Sunak wants to replace Mr Hunt with a close ally, but amid a major overhaul of his top team the PM confirmed Mr Hunt will remain as chancellor.

King approves appointment of David Cameron as foreign secretary

10:03 , Andy Gregory

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has more on this morning’s extraordinary appointment:

David Cameron has been confirmed as the new foreign secretary.

The former prime minister will replace James Cleverly, who has been promoted to home secretary, in an extraordinary return to frontline politics.

A note from No 10 said: "The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon David Cameron as Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs.

"His Majesty has also been pleased to confer the dignity of a Barony of the United Kingdom for life upon David Cameron."

David Cameron to return as foreign secretary, Tories say

10:02 , Andy Gregory

David Cameron will return to frontline politics as foreign secretary, seven years after quitting as PM in the immediate wake of the Brexit referendum, the Conservative Party has said.

James Cleverly is the new home secretary, No10 confirms

09:42 , Andy Gregory

A notice from No 10 said: "The King has been pleased to approve the appointment of the Rt Hon James Cleverly MP as Secretary of State for the Home Department.

"This follows the departure from Government of the Rt Hon Suella Braverman KC MP."

Health minister Neil O’Brien is returning to the backbenches

09:38 , Archie Mitchell

Junior health minister Neil O’Brien has asked to return to the backbenches.

The MP said: “It has been a privilege to serve at DHSC. Great ministerial team and spads and some fab officials.

“But with so much going on locally I want to focus 100 per cent on constituency work so have asked to go to back benches. I'm also keen to see more of our two small children.”

‘Deck chairs on the Titanic’: Commentators react as reshuffle speculation mounts

09:37 , Andy Gregory

Here is some of the reaction from political commentators and journalists as David Cameron is seen entering No 10.

Kate McCann of Times Radio notes that “if David Cameron makes a return that will overshadow everything else”.

LBC’s James O’Brien suggests it is “deck chairs on the Titanic time”.

Responding to the suggestion that handing Cameron the foreign secretary job would send a “strong message of reassurance” that Rishi Sunak is a natural political successor of the ex-PM, the i newspaper’s Richard Vaughan notes that it could “also remind the Remain-voting Blue Wall of the man who kick started the last 6-7 years of ‘chaos’ in Westminster”.

Others are wondering what Downing Street’s resident feline makes of it all:

Tory reshuffle: Who’s in and who’s out as David Cameron seen entering No 10

09:29 , Andy Gregory

After a tumultuous weekend, in which Suella Braverma was accused of stiring unrest on the streets, Rishi Sunak gave in to mounting pressure, including from his own party, to fire her as home secretary.

Our Whitehall and politics editor Kate Devlin has the latest on the reshuffle in this report:

Tory reshuffle: Who’s in and who’s out as David Cameron seen entering No 10

Schools minister quits and will not stand at next election

09:27 , Andy Gregory

Veteran schools minister Nick Gibb said he had quit the government and would not stand at the next general election, after 26 years as the MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

“Over the last few weeks I have been discussing taking up a diplomatic role after the general election,” he said.

“To enable me to do so I have asked the prime minister if I can step down from the government at the reshuffle and he has agreed.”

He added: “I campaigned for Rishi last summer and I remain an enthusiastic supporter of the prime minister’s leadership.”

David Cameron ‘told friends he wanted to return as foreign secretary’, report claimed in 2018

09:21 , Andy Gregory

A “bored ****less” David Cameron told friends he would not rule out a future return to frontline politics as foreign secretary, claimed a report written two years after he resigned as prime minister.

A source told The Sun in 2018: “David is dedicated to public service, and has often said he wouldn’t rule out a public role one day, domestically or internationally. But he is only 52, and still a young man.”

That report noted that Mr Cameron had taken on William Hague as foreign secretary years after he stepped down as Tory party leader in 2001.

He has now been seen entering No 10 as Rishi Sunak conducts a reshuffle:

Braverman says serving as home secretary was ‘greatest privilege of my life'

09:14 , Andy Gregory

After being sacked, Suella Braverman said “it has been the greatest privilege of my life to serve as home secretary”, adding: “I will have more to say in due course.”

Suella Braverman ‘sacked for speaking the truth’, right-wing Tory

09:11 , Archie Mitchell

Tory infighting began almost immediately after Suella Braverman’s sacking.

Rishi Sunak had been warned that backbench MPs would revolt if he ousted the home secretary, a flagbearer for the right of the party.

And minutes after it was confirmed she was leaving government, Andrea Jenkyns said she had been “sacked for speaking the truth”.

“I support Suella Braverman … sacked for speaking the truth. Bad call by Rishi caving in to the left,” the right-winger said on X.

David Cameron has been seen entering No10 Downing Street

09:07 , Andy Gregory

Our political correspondent Archie Mitchell has more on David Cameron’s suprise appearance in Whitehall this morning:

Minutes after Rishi Sunak kicked off a major reshuffle by sacking Suella Braverman as home secretary, David Cameron was seen entering Downing Street.

It is not known why the former PM is there.

It comes as Tory HQ has said Mr Sunak is "strengthening his team in government to deliver long-term decisions for a brighter future".

It is believed foreign secretary James Cleverly is replacing Ms Braverman as home secretary.