Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has carried out a sweeping reshuffle, replacing shadow chancellor Mel Stride with Andrew Griffith and shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel with Tom Tugendhat.
Key facts
- Kemi Badenoch sacked shadow chancellor Mel Stride and shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel on Monday.
- Andrew Griffith replaces Stride as shadow chancellor.
- Tom Tugendhat replaces Patel as shadow foreign secretary.
- James Cleverly quit to run for London mayor.
- Stride had held the role since Badenoch became Conservative leader.
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch carried out a sweeping reshuffle of her top team on Monday, sacking her shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, and her shadow foreign secretary, Priti Patel, according to the Guardian.
Stride is replaced as shadow chancellor by Andrew Griffith. Stride had held the role since Badenoch became Conservative leader, and was widely seen among Tories as failing to make an impression at a time when Labour had been under pressure over the economy, the Guardian reported.
Patel is replaced as shadow foreign secretary by Tom Tugendhat. Earlier reporting from the Guardian had indicated Badenoch was expected to install Tugendhat in the role, and later coverage confirmed the appointment.
The reshuffle also followed the departure of James Cleverly, who quit to run for London mayor, according to the Guardian.
The changes represent a significant reworking of the Conservative front bench, bringing Griffith and Tugendhat into two of the party’s most senior opposition posts.
The Guardian described the moves as a sweeping Conservative reshuffle, with Badenoch reshaping her shadow cabinet’s economic and foreign affairs leadership at the same time.
Why it matters
The shadow chancellor and shadow foreign secretary are two of the most senior roles in the opposition, shaping how the Conservatives challenge the government on the economy and international affairs. A reshuffle at this level signals how Badenoch intends to position her party as it seeks to capitalise on Labour's economic difficulties.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the new Conservative shadow chancellor?
Andrew Griffith is the new shadow chancellor, replacing Mel Stride, according to the Guardian.
Why was Mel Stride removed as shadow chancellor?
The Guardian reported that Stride was widely seen among Tories as failing to make an impression at a time when Labour had been under pressure over the economy.
Who replaced Priti Patel as shadow foreign secretary?
Tom Tugendhat replaced Priti Patel as shadow foreign secretary in the reshuffle, according to the Guardian.