Nadhim Zahawi defended Rishi Sunak’s controversial decision to bring her back into the Cabinet, saying she deserves a shot at ‘redemption’.
27 October 2022
Suella Braverman deserves a “second chance” as Home Secretary, a senior minister has argued as Rishi Sunak faces a growing backlash over her reappointment.
Conservative Party chairman Nadhim Zahawi said the Prime Minister was right to give her a shot at “redemption” six days after she was forced out by Liz Truss over a security breach.
Mr Sunak’s attempt to unite the Tories is under strain, with Mr Zahawi’s predecessor, Sir Jake Berry, alleging “multiple breaches” of the Ministerial Code.
An allegation of Ms Braverman having been investigated by Government officials after the leaking of a story involving the security services also emerged.
Mr Sunak brought her back into the Cabinet despite her resignation after she was caught sending a Tory backbencher a sensitive document from a personal email account.
Mr Zahawi defended her reappointment, arguing that she admitted the “mistake” and resigned “immediately”, a characterisation disputed by officials.
“She fell on her sword, she didn’t try to ride it out and try to hang on to her job,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“This Prime Minister looked at the details of this case and he believes in second chances and he’s giving Suella Braverman a second chance. I believe in redemption, as I’m sure many of your listeners would do as well.”
