Lord Cameron and ex-Tory chairman Richard Holden have quit the Conservative party’s frontbench as Rishi Sunak appointed his Shadow Cabinet.
Lord Cameron was appointed foreign secretary after being elevated to the House of Lords to return to frontline politics, but i understands he viewed the role of shadowing David Lammy as impossible to do from the Upper House.
Mr Holden quit after controversially switching constituencies from a seat in Durham to Basildon and Billericay, in Essex, and hanging on as an MP with a majority of 20 votes as the Tories lost more than 200 seats in last week’s general election.
Andrew Mitchell, who deputised for Lord Cameron, becomes the shadow Foreign Secretary, while Richard Fuller was appointed interim Tory chair.
Posting on social media after his resignation was announced, Lord Cameron said: “It’s been a huge honour to serve as foreign secretary, but clearly the Conservative Party in Opposition will need to shadow the new Foreign Secretary from the Commons.
“So I told Rishi Sunak that I would step back. I’m delighted that the shadow foreign secretary role has gone to my good friend Andrew Mitchell.
“As a committed Conservative I will continue to support the party and help where I can as we rebuild from the very disappointing election result.”
Jeremy Hunt and James Cleverly moved into opposition versions of their Cabinet roles, as shadow Chancellor and shadow Home Secretary, alongside several others.
Leading Tory leadership contender Kemi Badenoch was meanwhile moved to become shadow Housing Secretary, replacing her one-time ally Michael Gove, who stood down at the election.
Kevin Hollinrake, who won plaudits as Post Office minister, was moved to become shadow Business Secretary to replace Ms Badenoch.
There were also several promotions after a string of former Cabinet ministers lost their seats on Thursday.
James Cartlidge was made shadow Defence Secretary to replace Grant Shapps in the brief, who lost his seat.
Ed Argar similarly replaced Alex Chalk, becoming shadow Justice Secretary.
Andrew Griffith replaced Michelle Donelan, taking up the shadow Science Secretary brief.
Chris Philp became shadow Leader of the Commons, after Penny Mordaunt lost her seat.
Helen Whateley became shadow Transport Secretary, with Mark Harper losing his seat.
Damian Hinds was appointed shadow Education Secretary after Gillian Keegan lost her seat.
Julia Lopez became shadow Culture Secretary to replace Lucy Frazer.
Andrew Bowie was appointed shadow Veterans Minister after Johnny Mercer lost his seat.
Richard Fuller, interim Chairman of the Conservative Party, said: “The Conservative Party has had a difficult election and it is important that we regroup and reflect on these results.
“We should also challenge ourselves candidly and deeply on the strengths of the Conservative Party across the country and outline where improvements can be made.
“I am honoured to be asked to act as interim Chairman of the Conservative Party and to be working alongside colleagues in the Shadow Cabinet.
“United as a party we will be ready and able to hold this new Labour government to account every step of the way.”
Interim Shadow Cabinet full list
• Deputy Leader of the Opposition and shadow Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster: Oliver Dowden
• Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer: Jeremy Hunt
• Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs: Andrew Mitchell
• Shadow Home Secretary: James Cleverly
• Shadow Secretary of State for Defence: James Cartlidge
• Shadow Secretary of State for Justice: Ed Argar
• Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology: Andrew Griffith
• Shadow Health and Social Care Secretary: Victoria Atkins
• Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities: Kemi Badenoch
• Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs: Steve Barclay
• Shadow Leader of the House of Commons: Chris Philp
• Shadow Leader of the House of Lords: Lord True
• Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade: Kevin Hollinrake
• Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero: Claire Coutinho
• Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions: Mel Stride
• Shadow Secretary of State for Education: Damian Hinds
• Shadow Secretary of State for Transport: Helen Whately
• Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport: Julia Lopez
• Shadow Attorney General: Jeremy Wright
• Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland: Alex Burghart
• Shadow Secretary of State for Scotland: John Lamont
• Shadow Secretary of State for Wales: Lord Davies of Gower
• Opposition Chief Whip: Stuart Andrew
• Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury: Laura Trott
• Shadow Paymaster General: John Glen
• Shadow Security Minister: Tom Tugendhat
• Shadow Veterans Minister: Andrew Bowie
• Shadow Women and Equalities: Mims Davies