Ann Widdecombe has erupted in response to David Cameron’s appointment of as Foreign Secretary.
Speaking to Sky News, Ms Widdecombe said she was “flabbergasted” that the former Prime Minister had been given the position.
She added that he was “awful” and cited Brexit as an example of foreign policy she believed he had handled poorly.
Ms Widdecombe, an ex-Brexit Party MEP, made the comments just after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced Mr Cameron was replacing James Cleverly as part of a reshuffle.
Ms Widdecombe told Sky: “I am just flabbergasted that David Cameron is back and I have to say I’ve never been so glad that I finally found the courage to leave the Conservative Party.
“I cannot believe that a man who made a complete mess on foreign policy issues [such as] leaving the EU has now taken over as Foreign Secretary.
“He instigated a referendum believing that he knew what the result would be, went across to the EU saying ‘You’ve got to give me some change that I can take back and present as a reason for staying’; they didn’t, he couldn’t even get that out of them.
“Then he pegged his colours to the mast which most Prime Ministers wouldn’t have done, took the losing side, and then he left.”
Ms Widdecombe added that she thought newly appointed Home Secretary James Cleverly would have been “a much better bet”.
Mr Cleverly has been promoted to the role of Home Secretary following the firing of Suella Braverman.
Following Mr Cameron’s appointment, there were concerns this could be problematic for Rishi Sunak as the pair recently clashed over key government policies such as the cancellation of the Manchester leg of HS2.
However, Mr Cameron has issued a statement saying that despite previous disagreements, he will be able to work with Mr Sunak.
Writing on X, he said: “The Prime Minister has asked me to serve as his Foreign Secretary and I have gladly accepted. 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.
“Though I may have disagreed with some individual decisions, it is clear to me that Rishi Sunak is a strong and capable Prime Minister, who is showing exemplary leadership at a difficult time.
“I want to help him to deliver the security and prosperity our country needs and be part of the strongest possible team that serves the United Kingdom and that can be presented to the country when the General Election is held.”
Despite not serving as an elected MP, Mr Cameron can take on the position because he has been made a member of the House of Lords and a life peer.
This is possible because, under Britain’s unwritten constitution, a person does not have to be an MP to become a minister.
Instead, the ministerial code stipulates that they must be a member of the House of Commons or House of Lords to take up the position.
