FORMER Prime Minister David Cameron has resigned from the frontbench with the Tories announcing a cabinet reshuffle.
Rishi Sunak will remain the leader of the Conservatives’ interim shadow cabinet, but former Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and party chairman Richard Holden have stepped down.
AFPFormer PM David Cameron has resigned as shadow foreign secretary[/caption]
PAParty chairman Richard Holden has also resigned[/caption]
AlamyRishi Sunak makes his final speech as Prime Minister outside Downing Street[/caption]
SWNSSir Keir Starmer arrives at 10 Downing Street with his wife Lady Victoria to address the nation[/caption]
The former PM scrambled to assemble a team from his depleted ranks of 121 MPs to form an opposition to challenge Sir Keir Starmer’s new Government.
Mr Holden said the review of the party’s election campaign would “best take place with a new set of eyes to help provide the clearest view”.
While Lord Cameron is stepping back from frontline politics, he will keep his House of Lords seat for life.
He was given a peerage last November so that Rishi Sunak could make him Foreign Secretary.
Mr Sunak said he will remain the leader of the Tories until his replacement is appointed.
Former deputy foreign secretary Andrew Mitchell has become shadow foreign secretary, while Richard Fuller – former economic secretary to the Treasury – is the new Conservative chairman.
The party has named Jeremy Hunt as its shadow chancellor, with James Cleverly shadow home secretary, mirroring the portfolios they held in government.
Kemi Badenoch has become shadow levelling-up secretary, while Kevin Hollinrake will shadow Ms Badenoch’s former Business Secretary post and Mims Davies becomes shadow women and equalities minister.
Mr Fuller said in a statement: “The Conservative Party has had a difficult election and it is important that we regroup and reflect on these results.
“We should also challenge ourselves candidly and deeply on the strengths of the Conservative Party across the country and outline where improvements can be made.
“I am honoured to be asked to act as interim chairman of the Conservative Party and to be working alongside colleagues in the shadow cabinet.
“United as a party we will be ready and able to hold this new Labour government to account every step of the way.”
In his first speech as Prime Minister, Sir Keir invited everyone to join his mission of “national renewal”.
Making an appeal to those who did not vote for his party, he said: “Whether you voted Labour or not, in fact, especially if you did not, I say to you directly: my government will serve you.”
SUNAK’S INTERIM SHADOW CABINET
Rishi Sunak has announced his Conservative shadow cabinet – the first the party’s had for more than 14 years.
The majority of his Cabinet members from his time as PM will shadow their old roles – but with a few key changes.
Shadow Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: Oliver Dowden
Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer: Jeremy Hunt
Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs: Andrew Mitchell
Shadow Home Secretary: James Cleverly
Shadow Secretary of State for Defence: James Cartlidge
Shadow Secretary of State for Justice: Ed Argar
Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology: Andrew Griffith
Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary: Victoria Atkins
Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Kemi Badenoch
Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Steve Barclay
Shadow Leader of the House of Commons: Chris Phil
Shadow Leader of the House of Lords: Lord True
Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade: Kevin Hollinrake
Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero: Claire Coutinho
Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Mel Stride
Shadow Secretary of State for Education: Damian Hinds
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport: Helen Whately
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport: Julia Lopez
Shadow Attorney General: Jeremy Wright
Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland: Alex Burghart
Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland: John Lamont
Shadow Secretary of State for Wales: Lord Davies of Gower
Opposition Chief Whip: Stuart Andrew
Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury: Laura Trott
Shadow Paymaster General: John Glen
Shadow Security Minister: Tom Tugendhat
Shadow Veterans Minister: Andrew Bowie
Shadow Women and Equalities: Mims Davies
Sir Keir – commanding a 174-seat majority – acknowledged changing a country is not “like flicking a switch” and that it will “take a while”.
But he went on to say: “I have no doubt that the work of change begins immediately. I have no doubt that we will rebuild Britain with wealth created in every community.”
Sunak, meanwhile, sent an emotional message to Tory MPs following the crushing defeat.
The ex-PM, who formally quit No.10 on Friday morning, apologised to colleagues and declared: “I am sorry that I could not deliver a better result.”
The Tories were reduced to their lowest number of seats of all time.
RexSir Keir and his wife Lady Victoria pose for pictures outside the Number 10 door[/caption]
GettyThe Starmers enter their official London residence at 10 Downing Street for the first time[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
