British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has dismissed Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who faced backlash for her comments on the police handling of pro-Palestinian demonstrations.
A spokesperson for the prime minister said that Sunak had asked Braverman to step down from her role, and she had agreed to do so.
The spokesperson added that Sunak was conducting a broader cabinet reshuffle, which would “strengthen his team in government to deliver long-term decisions for a brighter future.”
Braverman, a prominent figure on the right wing of the Conservative Party, had accused the police of being “too soft” on the protesters who had rallied in support of the Palestinian cause amid the recent escalation of violence in the Middle East. She had also suggested that the police were biased against the Jewish community and called for tougher action against the demonstrators.
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Her remarks had sparked outrage from the police, the opposition parties, and some of her own colleagues, who accused her of undermining the police’s independence and professionalism. Some also questioned her suitability for the role of Home Secretary, which oversees the police and security services.
The decision to sack Braverman could create challenges for Sunak, who is trying to maintain the unity of his party and prepare for the next general election, which is expected to take place in 2024. Braverman’s supporters may see her removal as a sign of Sunak’s drift to the centre, and may demand more representation in the cabinet..