The return of former PM David Cameron to government as foreign secretary has evoked surprise for many, shock for some, and anger among MPs on the right of the Tory party. The British papers reflect the full spectrum of reactions.
The Guardian says: “Cameron’s shock return in high-stakes reshuffle”, noting that the political comeback for the now Lord Cameron marks a return to a more centrist team for Rishi Sunak, particularly given the sacking of Suella Braverman as home secretary.
Tuesday’s @guardian front page: Cameron’s shock return in high-stakes reshuffle https://t.co/zxGUXiyZKZ pic.twitter.com/sS7F388pSm
— Pippa Crerar (@PippaCrerar) November 14, 2023
The Times says Cameron, who served as prime minister from 2010 to 2016, has been brought “back from the wilderness” and uses a large picture of him smiling. It says Cameron has become the first former PM in more than 50 years to return to frontline politics.
TIMES: Sunak brings Cameron back from the wilderness #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/oT8qmIUd87
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
The Telegraph looks to the reaction on the right of the Tory party, with the headline: “Cameron’s return sparks Brexiteer backlash”. It reports on Dame Andrea Jenkyns sending a letter of no confidence in Sunak after what she called a “purge” of the centre-right from his cabinet.
The front page of tomorrow's Daily Telegraph:
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 13, 2023
'Cameron's return sparks Brexiteer backlash'#TomorrowsPapersToday
Sign up for the Front Page newsletterhttps://t.co/x8AV4Oomry pic.twitter.com/IX0KKjxpN5
The Mirror frames the appointment as a sign of desperation in the Sunak camp amid the Tories’ dismal election hopes. The strapline and headline read: “Same old Tories (literally): Back where we began”, and focuses on his legacy of the politics of austerity.
MIRROR: Back where we began #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/bJQy4rcQYv
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
The Express considers what the fate of “red wall” Tories – those occupying former Labour-voting seats in northern England and the Midlands – will be. The headline is “Shock and awe! Cameron back … but who will speak up for Red Wall?” It reports that the prime minister’s reshuffle has “unleashed furious accusations that Rishi Sunak has given up on the Red Wall”.
Front Page - Shock and awe! Cameron back ... but who will speak up for Red Wall?#TomorrowsPapersTodayhttps://t.co/iZdd3HAtat pic.twitter.com/6n9aUxhhDN
— Daily Express (@Daily_Express) November 13, 2023
The Daily Mail says “Rishi’s big throw of the dice”, highlighting the risks the prime minister was taking in angering the right of the party. It gives similar weighting to Cameron and the appointment of Esther McVey as a “new ‘Common Sense Minister’ to combat wokery”.
MAIL: Rishi’s big throw of the dice #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/fKNylPObvd
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
The Financial Times says “Cameron returns to front line after Braverman sacking sparks reshuffle”, and notes the looming clash with the Tory right.
Just published: front page of the Financial Times, UK edition, Tuesday 14 November https://t.co/2VDcryM3S0 pic.twitter.com/Bqpjb8c583
— Financial Times (@FT) November 13, 2023
The Sun has a wry headline with “Recall me Dave”, in an apparent reference to an unauthorised biography of Cameron. It says some on the Tory right will not have forgiven him for backing remain during Brexit campaigning.
On tomorrow's front page: Reshuffle shock... recall me Dave - Ex-PM returns as Foreign Sec and Tory rift after Rishi dumps Suella pic.twitter.com/1r7quhTzg5
— The Sun (@TheSun) November 13, 2023
The i paper says “Back to the future: PM gambles on return of David Cameron”. It says Cameron will offer the younger PM Sunak advice in the run-up to next year’s election.
I: Back to the future: PM gambles on return of David Cameron #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ey4PxDQvXi
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
City AM goes with “Cam back kid”, saying Sunak’s move is an appeal to more centrist voters.
CITY AM: Cam Back Kid #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/gaxdHO4f1L
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
The Northern Echo and the Scotsman join others in opting for the gambling nature of the PM’s move. They say “Sunak’s last roll of the dice” and “Sunak’s great gamble” respectively.
NORTHERN ECHO: Sunak’s last roll of the dice #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/WDyRs7gGae
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
THE SCOTSMAN: Sunak’s great gamble #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/OSyr9wcldn
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
The Daily Record has harsh words for Cameron, saying “The buffoon that brought you Brexit is back”.
DAILY RECORD: Same Old Tory #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/ZAyRoxNYeS
— Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) November 13, 2023
