Sunak Makes Fresh Appointments After Historic Election Loss To LP

British opposition leader Rishi Sunak announced his shadow cabinet on Monday, with several senior ministers resuming roles they held before last week’s parliamentary election.

However, former Foreign Secretary David Cameron resigned.

Andrew Mitchell will handle the foreign policy brief in the interim shadow cabinet, a team of senior spokespeople selected by the opposition leader to mirror the government cabinet.

The Conservative Party faced a historic election defeat last week, with a record number of cabinet ministers, including former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, losing their seats.

In his resignation speech, former Prime Minister Sunak took responsibility for the party’s election loss, while Labour Party’s Keir Starmer was sworn in as the new leader on Friday.

Richard Holden, who retained his seat by just 20 votes, also stepped down as Conservative Party Chairman. In his resignation letter to Sunak, he called for “a thorough review into the General Election campaign,” noting that “this would best take place with a new set of eyes to help provide the clearest view.”

The shadow cabinet includes James Cleverly continuing to hold the home office brief, while James Cartlidge will handle defense matters, according to the party’s statement.

“The Conservative Party has had a difficult election, and it is important that we regroup and reflect on these results,” said new interim Chairman Richard Fuller in the statement. “We should also challenge ourselves candidly and deeply on the strengths of the Conservative Party across the country and outline where improvements can be made.”

Chris Philp will be Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, succeeding Penny Mordaunt, one of the senior lawmakers who lost their seats. Former business minister Kemi Badenoch was given the “levelling up” brief.

Jeremy Hunt continues with the finance brief, while former Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden becomes Deputy Leader of the Opposition, the party said.