Media reports
Controversial British Home Secretary Suella Braverman dismissed – successor has already been chosen
British Home Secretary Suella Braverman on her way to 10 Downing Street
© Kirsty Wigglesworth/AP/DPA
There have been rumors for days that Suella Braverman could soon be leaving her position. Now the British government has confirmed the suspicions. And a successor has already been determined.
According to British media, the controversial British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has been fired. The BBC and Sky News, among others, reported this on Monday, citing government sources. “Today Rishi Sunak strengthened his government team to implement long-term decisions for a better future,” said the Conservative party on the online service X (formerly Twitter). The current British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly is set to replace Braverman, government officials say. The government also announced that former Prime Minister David Cameron would become Foreign Minister.
The right-wing politician in the cabinet of conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has recently repeatedly caused controversy. Among other things, she accused the police of being blind in the left eye and of tolerating violations of the law by pro-Palestinian demonstrators.
She published the allegations made in a guest article in the “Times” without coordination with the head of government’s office, as a spokesman for Sunak confirmed last week. The move was therefore expected.
Did Suella Braverman plan her release?
Braverman is considered a promising candidate for the party leadership if, as expected, the Conservatives lose next year’s general election. The ruling Conservatives are far behind the opposition Labor Party in polls. There was speculation that by criticizing the police and other right-wing populist statements, she wanted to position herself as a candidate for the right wing of the party and possibly even intentionally cause her to be expelled.
Braverman’s dismissal is expected to be accompanied by a major cabinet reshuffle. There was speculation that Foreign Minister James Cleverly could take her post.
This post has been updated several times.