Kemi Badenoch braces for major shadow cabinet reshuffle
Kemi Badenoch is expected to carry out a major reshuffle which could see two big political names moved out of the shadow cabinet, reports BritPanorama.
Speculation is mounting over the futures of shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel and shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride. The Tory leader is compelled to overhaul her top team following Sir James Cleverly’s decision to run for London mayor and resign as shadow housing secretary.
Additionally, her close ally Julia Lopez is shadowing a department that no longer exists after the Department for Science Innovation and Technology was scrapped by Andy Burnham, further prompting the need for leadership changes.
Meanwhile, energy secretary Claire Coutinho is preparing to go on maternity leave, and shadow solicitor general Helen Grant is stepping down at the next election.
There is widespread belief that Ms Badenoch – who once insisted she would not reshuffle her top team – will now take the opportunity for a significant shake-up as she aims to lead the party into the next election.
A number of senior figures have fallen out of favour, with complaints that the party is not effectively addressing key issues. It is anticipated she will implement the changes on Tuesday.
One source commented, “The two names to look out for are [shadow foreign secretary] Priti [Patel] and [shadow chancellor] Mel [Stride]. Priti has become a fringe figure and is not really properly part of the team. And there is a feeling Kemi needs to have someone more robust running Treasury policy.”
However, there are warnings against moving Sir Mel. One Tory MP remarked that he is “a perfect foil for Kemi and has actually done a pretty good job.” Should he be moved, shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith is seen as the frontrunner for his position, while shadow home secretary Chris Philp might take on foreign affairs.
Dame Priti has received criticism from both Reform and Labour for her role as home secretary during the so-called “Boriswave,” which led to a significant increase in immigration post-Brexit. An ally of Dame Priti argued, “Why would Kemi want to lose someone with serious experience in government?”
Scottish MP Andrew Bowie is expected to assume the role of shadow energy secretary after spearheading efforts to reopen oil and gas drilling in the North Sea. He is anticipated to be replaced as shadow Scottish secretary by Harriet Cross, considered a rising star within the party.
Other potential candidates reportedly under consideration include right-winger Katie Lam, viewed as a future leader, and Jack Rankin, who may also secure a role in the shadow cabinet. Both have remained loyal to the party following speculation about defection opportunities.
Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore is being mentioned as a candidate for shadowing the Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs, given his extensive work in this area, especially concerning inheritance tax on family farms.
Attention will also be on other roles, such as shadow welfare secretary, currently held by Helen Whately, and shadow health, occupied by Stuart Andrew. One source noted, “Welfare is going to continue to be a big area of weakness for Labour because they need to cut the benefits bill but their MPs oppose any reductions.” Another added, “We have still not made any serious challenge to Labour on health even though they are failing on a number of fronts.”
