Since newly appointed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reshuffled the cabinet on Tuesday, October 25, his decision to reappoint Suella Braverman as Home Secretary has drawn criticism. Braverman was a part of former PM Liz Truss’ cabinet, when she was appointed as the Home Secretary in September, however, resigned in October over a ‘mistake’.
Braverman breached the UK ministerial code of conduct when she sent secure information using her personal email and tendered her resignation. However, Sunak has now re-appointed the 42-year-old in her previous role and has drawn criticism from many, including the Labour Party.
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As soon as news of Suella Braverman’s reappointment was announced, the Labour Party launched a stark attack on Sunak, saying the newly appointed PM was putting the party before the country for winning over the right wing of the Conservatives.
However, Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has defended the appointment saying Braverman has apologised for her mistakes and has clear ideas on how to improve the Home Office’s performance.
“Suella made a mistake,” Cleverly told Sky. “She has said herself that she made a mistake. She’s apologised for that mistake and she stood down at the time,” he said.
“She has shown a willingness to take responsibility for what happened – but ultimately [the PM] has decided that he wants to see the agenda that she has set out, that very important crime fighting agenda, back in the heart of government,” he added.
Suella Braverman is regarded in the parliament for her views on culture war and stance on migration policy, among others.
Meanwhile, Shadow Home Secretary and Labour leader Yvette Cooper pointed out PM Rishi Sunak’s speech at Downing Street, saying his government would have accountability and integrity.
“Yet he has just appointed Suella Braverman to be home secretary again a week after she resigned for breaches of the ministerial code, security lapses, sending sensitive government information through unauthorised personal channels, and following weeks of non-stop public disagreements with other cabinet ministers,” she said.
“Our national security and public safety are too important for this kind of chaos. We don’t just need a new cabinet, we need a general election and a fresh start with Labour,” the 53-year-old added.
Alistair Carmichael, the Liberal Democrat MP, also had similar views with his Labour counterpart as he said the appointment makes a mockery of the new PM’s claims of bringing integrity to the government.
“A home secretary who broke the rules is not fit for a Home Office which keeps the rules,” Carmichael stated while calling for a probe into the appointment.
