Sunak's Cameron gamble

This short video clip is the best analysis of the PM's reshuffle. Great for class discussion/flipped classroom on Cabinet appointments/power of patronage

Questions (and answers) on the video

Questions
1. How does the addition of David Cameron to the cabinet bring more experience and strength?
2. Why might some people argue that bringing back David Cameron is not a change but continuity?
3. In what ways was Suella Braverman convenient for the Prime Minister?
4. Why did Rishi Sunak decide to sack Suella Braverman from the cabinet?
5. What risks does Rishi Sunak face by sacking Suella Braverman?
6. Who are some groups within the party that support Suella Braverman?
7. How might Suella Braverman's removal from the cabinet affect the Prime Minister's policies?
8. What problem does the timing of these changes pose for Rishi Sunak?
9. How might voters perceive the cabinet reshuffle after the recent conference?
10. What message does the addition of David Cameron send about being a change candidate?

Suggested answers
1. Bringing back David Cameron adds experience and strength to the cabinet.
2. Some people argue that bringing back David Cameron is not a change but continuity.
3. Suella Braverman was convenient for the Prime Minister because she absorbed criticism and allowed Rishi Sunak to avoid controversy.
4. Rishi Sunak sacked Suella Braverman to reclaim unity in his cabinet and because she was operating against his best interests.
5. By sacking Suella Braverman, Rishi Sunak risks facing criticism and opposition from various groups within the party.
6. Suella Braverman has support from the Common Sense group, the new conservative group, and the European Research Group (ERG).
7. Suella Braverman's removal from the cabinet may lead to increased criticism and contradiction of the Prime Minister's policies.
8. The timing of the cabinet reshuffle poses a problem because it contradicts the optimistic long-term vision presented at the recent conference.
9. Voters might question the purpose of the conference if there are significant changes to the cabinet shortly after.
10. The addition of David Cameron may be seen as continuity rather than a change, which contradicts the image of being a change candidate.