What Happened to David William Donald Cameron, Baron Cameron of Chipping Norton?

David Cameron's political career has been marked by significant highs and lows, culminating in a surprising return to government after a period out of front-line politics. He served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from May 2010 to July 2016, leading the first coalition government in the UK since World War II with the Liberal Democrats, and later a Conservative-only government after the 2015 general election. His premiership focused on austerity measures following the 2008 financial crisis, reforms in healthcare and education, and the legalization of same-sex marriage.

The defining moment of his premiership, and ultimately its end, was the 2016 referendum on the UK's membership in the European Union. Cameron, who campaigned for 'Remain,' resigned shortly after the public voted to 'Leave,' stating that the country needed new leadership to navigate the post-Brexit landscape.

Following his resignation, Cameron maintained a relatively low political profile for several years. He resigned his seat in the House of Commons in September 2016 and published his memoir, 'For the Record,' in 2019. During this period, he took on various roles outside direct politics, including serving as President of Alzheimer's Research UK from 2017 to 2023. He was also implicated in the Greensill lobbying scandal, which drew scrutiny over his private sector activities.

In a unexpected move, Cameron made a return to high office on November 13, 2023, when he was appointed Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. To facilitate this appointment, he was elevated to the House of Lords as a life peer, becoming Baron Cameron of Chipping Norton. This marked a rare instance of a former Prime Minister returning to a Cabinet role and serving from the unelected upper chamber of Parliament. During his tenure as Foreign Secretary, he undertook extensive diplomatic tours, visiting 34 countries and territories, including multiple trips to Ukraine and the Middle East, and a landmark tour of Central Asian republics in April 2024.

Cameron's second stint in government concluded on July 5, 2024, when the Conservative Party lost the general election to the Labour Party. He ceased to be Foreign Secretary with the change of government. As of August 17, 2026, David Cameron remains a life peer in the House of Lords. He also returned to his role as President of Alzheimer's Research UK in 2025, continuing his involvement in charitable work.