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David Cameron | |
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| Born | 9 October 1966 (age 57) Marylebone, London, England |
| Political orientation | Liberalism Imperialism |
| Political party | Conservative and Unionist Party |
David William Donald Cameron is a former British Prime Minister, who is the current Conservative Foreign Secretary for the United Kingdom. In 2016 he was succeeded as Prime Minister by Theresa May after he resigned following the Brexit referendum in which the UK voted to leave the European Union.
Early Life and Career
David Cameron was educated at Eton College and Brasenose College, Oxford, studying politics, philosophy and economics.[1]
After graduating he joined the Conservative research department where he worked for Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and her successor John Major. He was later appointed a special adviser in government, first at the Treasury and then at the Home Office, before joining the media company Carlton Communications, where he worked for seven years, serving on the management board.[1]
Political Career
He became MP for Witney in 2001, and was a member of the House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee from 2001 to 2003.[1]
He was appointed Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Skills after the 2005 General Election, and became Conservative Party Leader, and Leader of the opposition in December 2005.[2]
Premiership
Coalition Government 2010-2015
Following the 2010 general election, David Cameron became Prime Minister on 11 May 2010, forming a coalition government between the Conservative Party, and the Liberal Democrats. The 2010 election occurred during the ongoing aftermath of the global financial crisis, in response, Cameron, and Chancellor George Osborne embarked on a programme of austerity increasing the suffering of the British working class.[1]
Internationally, Cameron responded to the Arab spring, ensuring that Britain played a full role in the global fight against Daesh, and in 2011, the UK also took a lead in the NATO invasion of Libya. Throughout his tenure, Cameron championed Britain’s special relationship with the United States, working closely with President Barack Obama. Under his leadership, the UK committed to the NATO 2% defence spending target.[1]
In 2013 his government passed a bill legalising same-sex marriage in a vote of 400 to 175, however, 139 of those that voted against were from Cameron's own party, including two cabinet ministers, more than the 132 that voted for it.[3]
In 2014 after extensive campaigning from the Scottish Nationalist party, Cameron allowed a referendum on the independence of Scotland in which he campaigned for Scotland to remain part of the UK.[1]
Conservative Government 2015-2016
Following the 2015 general election Cameron achieved a Conservative majority and continued in government without the Liberal Democrats.[2]
In 2016 Cameron allowed a referendum on Britain’s relationship with the European Union (EU), and led the campaign for the UK to remain in the EU. In June 2016, the British people voted to leave the EU, and following this result, he resigned as Prime Minister, and leader of the Conservative Party, leaving 10 Downing Street on 13 July 2016.[1]
Post-premiership
In September 2016, he resigned as a Member of Parliament.[1]
On 13 November 2023 he was appointed as Foreign Secretary by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, without being elected by the British public as a Member of Parliament. He was rewarded for accepting the appointment by being elevated to the House of Lords on 20 November 2023, as Lord Cameron of Chipping Norton.[2]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "History of The Rt Hon David Cameron" (2023). GOV.UK.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "The Rt Hon David Cameron" (2023). GOV.UK.
- ↑ Oliver Wright (2013-02-06). "MPs vote for gay marriage bill by 400 to 175 in face of widespread Tory rebellion" The Independent.