Even in the height of the political instability that has rocked the UK in recent years, no one could have possibly imagined the return of the disgraced Prime Minister, David Cameron, to the Cabinet. Still, Sunak appears to find new ways to surprise the nation every day by making Cameron the new Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs on 13th November 2023.
In recent years, Cameron has become a notorious figure in UK politics, being considered by some to be the catalyst for the political chaos that has followed.
But who actually is he? And what did he do to cause all this?
David Cameron became Prime Minister in 2010 of the Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government, having been a Conservative MP for West Oxfordshire since 2001. He would continue to serve as Prime Minister until 2016, when he stepped down following the UK voting to leave the EU in the referendum that split the nation.
Cameron was the first Conservative Prime Minister since John Major in 1997 so expectations from the country were high, particularly due to Cameron’s focus on centrist politics and improving public services. This dream was shattered by the harshening of austerity policies during Cameron’s time as Prime Minister.
Another reason for Cameron’s government’s infamy is Brexit. Cameron himself was opposed to the idea and even attempted to negotiate with the EU, changing what would be expected of the UK should it remain. Despite this, his party campaigned for leaving the EU, and on the 24th of June 2016, the UK awoke to the decision of leaving. This decision has ended up ruling the political standing of the UK for a significant time now, including by leading to a swift end to Cameron's time as prime minister.
From his supposed 'social murder’ to ‘pig-gate’, it is undeniable that Cameron has shaped modern UK politics and now he's back. Whether this is for better or worse remains to be seen. We, alongside the rest of the UK, will be patiently waiting to find out.
Want to find out more?
David Cameron's political career:
Parliamentary career for Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton - MPs and Lords - UK Parliament
Austerity in the UK:
Austerity Britain – A Brief History - Ben Williams, 2019 (sagepub.com)
Brexit referendum:
European Union Referendum 2016 (parliament.uk)