Last Updated: November 13, 2023, 16:10 IST
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Britain’s Foreign Secretary James Cleverly walks at 10 Downing Street in London, Britain November 13, 2023. (Reuters)
Explore the journey of James Cleverly, the UK Foreign Minister who became the new Home Minister, in reshuffle marked by leadership changes
British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has replaced Suella Braverman as the country’s new Secretary of the State for the Home Department, the UK Prime Minister’s office said on Monday.
“It is an honour to be appointed as Home Secretary. The goal is clear. My job is to keep people in this country safe,” Cleverly wrote on X shortly after his appointment. This comes after British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak sacked Braverman as part of a wider reshuffle after she criticised the police’s handling of a pro-Palestinian march.
In a post on social media, the Conservative Party said PM Sunak’s reshuffle “strengthens his team in government to deliver long-term decisions for a brighter future”. After Braverman’s sacking, Cleverly was seen entering Downing Street on Monday morning.
Who is James Cleverly?
Cleverly, a British Conservative politician, who has been the Foreign Secretary since September last year. Cleverly retained his position under Sunak, having initially been appointed by Liz Truss.
Before his current role, Cleverly served as the Education Secretary for three months, during the final days of Boris Johnson’s term. Earlier, from February to July 2022, he held the position of Minister of State for Europe and North America in the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO).
Simultaneously, he served as the Chairman of the Conservative party, sharing responsibilities with Ben Elliot from July 2019 to February 2020, while also holding the role of Minister without Portfolio.
Cleverly’s political career includes roles as deputy chairman and parliamentary under-secretary for Exiting the European Union. He entered Parliament after the 2015 election, following his service as a member of the London Assembly since 2007.
