What is the reason behind Rishi Sunak reinstating former UK Prime Minister David Cameron to a prominent political role?

Since assuming the role of British Prime Minister over a year ago, Rishi Sunak has endeavored to bring order to the tumultuous government he took over. His predecessor, Liz Truss, left behind economic policies that resulted in the pound plummeting and double-digit inflation, amidst rising interest rates. Additionally, the Conservative Party was still reeling from Boris Johnson’s scandal-ridden tenure.

While Sunak aimed to stabilize the situation, he has faced challenges in defining his political identity and brand of Conservatism. This scenario changed recently when Sunak made the unexpected decision to appoint former Prime Minister David Cameron as his foreign secretary, following the dismissal of Suella Braverman, a right-wing figure within the party.

Cameron, associated with the central faction of the Conservative Party and known for initiating the 2016 Brexit referendum, represents a shift from the party’s recent direction, which leaned more to the right.

Sunak’s move to replace Braverman with Cameron might signal his alignment with moderate Conservatives, marking a departure from the divisive politics of Johnson, Truss, and Braverman.

By steering his government towards the center, Sunak aims to address the party’s poor poll numbers and the public’s weariness of political unrest. However, reconciling this with the diverse factions within his party – including populists, libertarians, and moderates – remains a challenge.

Throughout his tenure, Sunak has attempted to embody various Conservative ideologies while positioning himself as a change agent, distinct from the party’s 13-year reign. His recent speech at the Conservative annual conference showcased a mix of right-wing stances, making his recent shift towards centrism with Cameron’s appointment somewhat enigmatic.

Cameron’s return brings its own controversies, including the Brexit referendum and a lobbying scandal. Some Conservatives welcome his appointment as a return to seriousness, but others, especially on the right, view it skeptically.

The upcoming election adds urgency to Sunak’s strategy. His recent reshuffle might be an attempt to present stability to voters while maintaining right-wing policies to appease critics within his party. With the election approaching and the Conservatives trailing in polls, Sunak’s political maneuvers are crucial to his and the party’s future.