Kemi Badenoch has overhauled the Conservative shadow cabinet as Andy Burnham prepares to face MPs in the Commons for the first time as Prime Minister.
Sir Mel Stride has been removed as shadow chancellor and replaced by Andrew Griffith, the former shadow business secretary. The move represents one of the most significant changes to the Tory front bench since Mrs Badenoch became leader.
Mr Griffith previously served as a Treasury minister during Liz Truss’s premiership and was involved in the work surrounding the 2022 mini-Budget. His appointment is expected to give the Conservatives a more forceful economic message as they seek to challenge Labour and Reform UK.
Mr Griffith said the Conservatives would pursue “lower, simpler taxes”, increase domestic energy production, reduce regulation and repeal Labour’s employment rights legislation.
Conservative reshuffle brings senior changes
Dame Priti Patel has also left the shadow cabinet, with Tom Tugendhat taking over as shadow foreign secretary. Mr Tugendhat, a former security minister, returns to the front bench after previously serving as a contender in the Conservative leadership contest.
Claire Coutinho has been promoted to shadow business secretary, while other changes bring newer Conservative MPs into prominent roles. The reshuffle was completed shortly before Parliament returned from its summer recess.
The changes come as Mrs Badenoch attempts to sharpen the party’s opposition to Mr Burnham’s newly formed Labour government and present a clearer alternative to Reform UK.
Mr Burnham, who became Prime Minister on 20 July 2026, is due to address the House of Commons on Tuesday afternoon. Parliament’s official schedule lists business led by the Prime Minister in the chamber, ahead of his first Prime Minister’s Questions against Mrs Badenoch on Wednesday.
