7 Ways David Cameron’s Comeback Could Spell Trouble for Rishi Sunak

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. Sunak’s Defined Stance
3. High-Speed Rail Divide
4. China Relations
5. Reopening Brexit Divides
6. Lobbying Controversy
7. Unelected Status
8. Mixed Public Perception
9. FAQs
10. Conclusion

Introduction

In a surprising twist, former British Prime Minister David Cameron has re-emerged on the political stage, taking on the role of Foreign Secretary under the leadership of Rishi Sunak. This unexpected comeback has raised eyebrows and sparked debates across Westminster. While Cameron’s return may seem like a strategic move, it could pose several challenges for Sunak and the Conservative Party.

1. Sunak’s Defined Stance

Just weeks before Cameron’s appointment, Rishi Sunak delivered his first conference speech as the Tory leader, positioning himself as the candidate for change. He sought to distance himself from what he termed the “30-year political status quo.” This move was an attempt to differentiate himself from his predecessors. However, appointing Cameron, who presided over a significant part of the Tory government’s 13-year reign, sends a contrasting message.

Sunak declared, “You either think this country needs to change, or you don’t.” The selection of Cameron may undermine his narrative of change.

2. High-Speed Rail Divide

Sunak’s conference speech also marked the scaling back of the High-Speed 2 (HS2) project—a rail line that Cameron had introduced with great fanfare in 2013. Sunak deemed this project a symbol of the old consensus, a viewpoint that Cameron publicly disagreed with, even expressing his dissent on social media.

Cameron, in his statement after his appointment, acknowledged disagreements with Sunak but maintained that the Prime Minister is “a strong and capable leader.” The divide over HS2 remains a potential source of discord within the Conservative Party.

3. Cameron’s China Ties

As Prime Minister, David Cameron promoted a “golden era” of U.K. relations with China, actively pursuing Chinese investment in Britain. He even welcomed President Xi Jinping for a state visit in 2015, cementing ties with the Chinese leadership. However, this approach and Cameron’s recent lobbying efforts in China have drawn criticism from a significant faction of China hawks within the Tory party.

Rishi Sunak, in contrast, used a speech to signal the end of the “golden era” between Britain and China. As Foreign Secretary, Cameron will be expected to align with this policy shift, potentially stirring further tension within the party.

4. Reopening Brexit Divides

David Cameron, a pro-Remain advocate, resigned the day after the Brexit referendum’s outcome in 2016. While Sunak campaigned for Brexit and the U.K. has since left the EU, the Conservative Party remains divided over the future relationship with Europe. Cameron’s statements on this issue will be closely monitored by both Remainers and Leavers within the party.

5. Lobbying Controversy

Cameron’s post-premiership career was marked by his involvement with Greensill Capital, a now-collapsed finance firm that had notable access to the British government. Cameron served as a paid adviser to the company, advocating for its inclusion in a coronavirus lending scheme in 2020.

This episode raised concerns about the efficacy of regulations on ex-ministers’ lobbying activities. Although Cameron asserted that he lobbied for the public good and was cleared of any rule violations, the controversy highlighted the intricate ties between politicians and businesses. The opposition Labour Party may use this issue to challenge Sunak’s commitment to “integrity” and “accountability” in his government.

6. Unelected Status

In order to appoint Cameron to his new role, Sunak had to offer him a life peerage, granting him a seat in the House of Lords, the unelected upper chamber of the British Parliament. While Cameron will have a place among the Lords, he won’t face scrutiny from elected MPs in the House of Commons, where the core political action occurs.

Some Conservative MPs, including Michael Fabricant, have raised concerns about the impact on parliamentary oversight. House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle emphasized the importance of scrutinizing the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, particularly given the current international situation. This unelected status might raise questions among the public, who may favor a more democratic second chamber.

7. Mixed Public Perception

David Cameron’s return to the political scene comes with mixed public sentiment. Polling conducted by Savanta in October revealed that fewer than a quarter of Britons hold a favorable view of Cameron, while 45 percent hold an unfavorable opinion. This ambivalence about his return may not make him the game changer Rishi Sunak needs as he seeks to boost the Conservative Party’s popularity.

In a similar vein, polling from YouGov shows that Rishi Sunak himself is not highly favored by the British public. These unfavorable ratings for both Cameron and Sunak pose a challenge to the Prime Minister’s efforts to close the gap in polling against the Labour Party.

FAQs

a. Why did Rishi Sunak appoint David Cameron?

• Rishi Sunak appointed David Cameron as Foreign Secretary as part of a government reshuffle aimed at revitalizing the Conservative Party’s standing in British politics. Cameron’s experience and stature were likely seen as assets.

b. What was David Cameron’s role in the High-Speed Rail project?

• David Cameron introduced the High-Speed 2 (HS2) project during his tenure as Prime Minister. However, Rishi Sunak announced the scaling back of this project, leading to public disagreements between the two.

c. What is the controversy surrounding David Cameron’s lobbying for Greensill Capital?

• After leaving office, Cameron served as a paid adviser to Greensill Capital and lobbied senior ministers and officials to include the company in a coronavirus lending scheme. This raised concerns about ex-ministers’ influence on government decisions and their ties to the business sector.

d. How will David Cameron’s unelected status affect his role in the government?

• David Cameron’s appointment as a life peer in the House of Lords means he won’t face scrutiny in the House of Commons, where elected MPs make decisions. This unelected status may impact parliamentary oversight.

e. What do public opinion polls reveal about David Cameron and Rishi Sunak?

• Public opinion polls show that both David Cameron and Rishi Sunak have mixed favorability ratings. Fewer than a quarter of Britons hold a favorable view of Cameron, and Sunak himself is generally disliked by the public.

Conclusion

The return of David Cameron to the heart of British politics, appointed by Rishi Sunak as Foreign Secretary, marks a significant development in the political landscape. While Cameron brings experience and political gravitas to the table, his reappearance raises several challenges for Sunak and the Conservative Party. From policy disagreements to potential tensions within the party and public perceptions, the duo will need to navigate these complexities carefully to ensure a successful tenure for the government.

This unexpected partnership between Sunak and Cameron has captured the attention of the nation, and the repercussions of this decision will likely unfold in the coming months. As the government attempts to reinvigorate its image and address pressing issues, the success of this alliance will be a topic of great interest for political observers and the general public alike.