Who is Suella Braverman, the UK's controversial right-wing politician sacked from Home Secretary role?

Suella Braverman, a politician from Britain's right-wing Conservative Party, was fired as Home Secretary on Monday after she made a number of controversial statements last week.

She was appointed as Attorney General by Prime Minister Boris Johnson in 2020 and grew in prominence under Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak.

Braverman, who has a background in law and whose parents immigrated to the UK in the 1960s, has garnered significant support from some Conservatives and has been touted as a potential challenger to Sunak.

Her comments over pro-Palestine marches saw her face huge hostility from left-leaning Brits, as well as some elements of the Conservative Party.

What did she say about pro-Palestine Marches?

Braverman condemned pro-Palestine protesters and the Metropolitan Police in a Times article after the London police force approved a demo for Gaza on 11 November, coinciding with Armistice Day commemorations.

Braverman accused the police of "double standards" and favouring pro-Palestine protests over far-right protests. She further sparked controversy by referring to pro-Palestine protesters as "hate marchers".

Her comments faced widespread condemnation, including from the Conservative Party's Baroness Sayeeda Warsi.

What happened on Remembrance Day?

Saturday witnessed the largest pro-Palestine march in UK history, with over 800,000 people calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Far-right groups also carried out "counter-protests", with reported attacks on police. 

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist of the Metropolitan Police issued a statement, noting the unique circumstances and heightened community tensions during the operation. 

The police linked Braverman’s comments on police bias to an outbreak of violence by far-right groups against law enforcement officers, The Guardian reported.

Why was she sacked and who is replacing her?

Home Secretary Braverman was subsequently sacked from her role for allegedly fanning the flames of tension in the lead-up to the weekend protests. 

James Cleverly was made her replacement, and former Prime Minister David Cameron was appointed foreign secretary. 

The Prime Minister's spokesperson commented: "This reshuffle is designed to assemble a cohesive team under the Prime Minister's leadership to bring about the necessary long-term changes needed for the country."

What’s next?

Prior to the war, the Conservative Party and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's government faced significant political and economic challenges. Sunak's chances of winning the next election are, therefore, slim, especially given that the Conservatives are trailing behind the Labour Party by about 20 points.

Braverman’s multiple appeals to extreme elements within the Conservatives indicate that she stands a good chance of leading the party in the future. 

The Supreme Court will judge on Wednesday the legality of Braverman’s controversial "Rwanda scheme", which proposes relocating asylum seekers to Rwanda.