Sir Keir Starmer has accused Rishi Sunak of doing “a grubby deal trading national security” in order to buy Suella Braverman’s support in the Tory leadership election.
The Labour leader made Ms Braverman’s reappointment by the new Prime Minister as Home Secretary his main point of attack as they clashed at Mr Sunak’s first PMQs on Wednesday.
Mr Sunak insisted the security breach which led to Ms Braverman’s sacking by former PM Liz Truss was a “mistake”, as No 10 did not deny claims officials advised against reappointing her Home Secretary days after she was forced out.
Sir Keir asked the PM: “Was his Home Secretary right to resign last week for a breach of security?”
Mr Sunak replied: “The Home Secretary made an error of judgment but she recognised that, she raised the matter and she accepted her mistake.
“That is why I was delighted to welcome her back into a united cabinet that brings experience and stability to the heart of Government.”
A Downing Street spokesman later announced that the moratorium on fracking in England has been restored by Mr Sunak - only weeks after it was abandoned by Ms Truss.
Earlier on Wednesday, it was announced that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s fiscal statement, which had been due on October 31, will now be delivered on November 17.
Mr Hunt said it was “prudent” to delay the statement, which is now an “upgraded” full Autumn statement, to allow for the most up-to-date economic forecasts. He said the plans would show debt falling in the medium term.
