Former UK prime minister David Cameron is to become foreign secretary in a shock appointment as part of today's (13 November) government reshuffle by Rishi Sunak. 

Cameron is to accept a peerage in the House of Lords to be able to take on the role as a non-MP, as the reshuffle also saw Suella Braverman sacked as home secretary and replaced by the foreign secretary, James Cleverly.

Jeremy Hunt has been confirmed remaining at the Treasury as chancellor of the exchequer.

Cameron's appointment marks the first post-war example of a former prime minister serving in a future goverrnment since the 1970s.

His return to government also makes him the fourth foreign secretary since the last general election.

In a posting on X following his appointment, Cameron said: "We are facing a daunting set of international challenges, including the war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East. At this time of profound global change, it has rarely been more important for this country to stand by our allies, strengthen our partnerships and make sure our voice is heard.

"While I have been out of front-line politics for the last seven years, I hope that my experience - as Conservative Leader for eleven years and Prime Minister for six - will assist me in helping the Prime Minister to meet these vital challenges."

As prime minister he heralded a so-called "Golden Era" in UK relations with China, and hosted President Xi Jinping for a state visit and later resigned on the Brexit outcome of the referendum he decided to hold. 

Cameron hit the headlines in 2021 over lobbying activities on behalf of financial services company Greensill Capital.

A Cabinet Office inquiry and two other separate official inquiries found that Cameron had not broken any lobbying rules or acted unlawfully in relation to his Greensill lobbying activities.

Reacting to Cameron's appointment: Pat McFadden MP, Labour's National Campaign Coordinator, said: "A few weeks ago Rishi Sunak said David Cameron was part of a failed status quo, now he's bringing him back as his life raft.

"This puts to bed the prime minister's laughable claim to offer change from 13 years of Tory failure."