Kemi Badenoch carried out a dramatic Tory reshuffle today, with Mel Stride axed as shadow chancellor.
Mrs Badenoch has handed Andrew Griffith the crucial economic brief as she gears up for a fresh assault on Andy Burnham when Parliament returns tomorrow.
Tom Tugendhat is taking over Priti Patel’s old foreign affairs duties as part of a much bigger than expected clear-out.
The Opposition leader also needs to fill the shadow housing secretary role after James Cleverly announced he will be focusing on a bid for the London Mayoralty. That decision is understood to have prompted Mrs Badenoch to be more radical.
There will be a new face in the health job as Stuart Andrew has confirmed he is returning to the backbenches.
The highly-rated shadow energy secretary Claire Coutinho, who is due to go on maternity leave, has been moved to replace Mr Griffith on the business beat.
The new shadow chancellor stressed his Thatcherite credentials, saying the Tories will deliver ‘an economic revolution’ with ‘lower, simpler taxes’ and less red tape.
A senior Tory source highlighted Mr Griffith’s experience as a Sky executive, saying he would have a ‘no-nonsense, pro-growth’ approach.
Katie Lam is among those in the frame for promotion to a bigger job.
Kemi Badenoch is making changes to her shadow cabinet, with Andrew Griffith handed the crucial economic brief
Mel Stride has been axed as shadow chancellor after bring in the job for two years
Sir Mel said he had been ‘honoured’ to serve as shadow chancellor
Mr Griffith said his Treasury team would bring about an ‘economic revolution’
Mrs Badenoch heaped praise on Sir Mel, saying he had done the job at an ‘exceptionally difficult point for the Conservative Party’.
‘He brought experience, seriousness and stability when those things were badly needed,’ she said.
‘He helped us steady the ship, rebuild economic credibility and become an effective opposition, and I am genuinely grateful for his contribution.’
A Conservative source said of Mr Griffith: ‘While the Labour front bench has almost no private sector experience, Andrew’s experience means he not only knows but understands the many issues that businesses face and has a wealth of contacts in the business community.’
Sir Mel said he had been ‘honoured’ to serve. ‘I am especially proud of the work we have done to rebuild the Conservatives’ economic credibility – an issue on which we now consistently lead in the polls – and to have developed the start of a radical and deliverable plan to turn our economy around,’ he said.
In a statement last night, Dame Priti said she was leaving her post as shadow foreign secretary to take on an ‘international role’ strengthening the party’s links worldwide.
The former home secretary said returning to the backbenches would also give her ‘greater freedom to stand up’ for her Witham and Essex constituency in the Commons.
She said: ‘I’m pleased to continue supporting Kemi and the Conservative Party in a new role, strengthening our relationships with fellow conservatives and centre-right parties around the world.
‘At a time of profound global uncertainty, when our values and freedoms are under threat, conservatives must work more closely together.’
She said it had been ‘an honour’ to lead the party’s foreign affairs team, citing challenges to the Government’s Chagos Islands deal and calls for stronger action to protect the UK from threats posed by China, Iran and Russia.
Mr Tugendhat is seen as one of the most hawkish MPs on China and has campaigned against plans for the new super embassy in London.
A senior Tory source said: ‘Within Parliament, Tom has almost unrivalled credibility in foreign affairs as a former soldier, Security Minister and Chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee.
‘Kemi actually gave Tom the good news while he was in Taiwan, talking to the Taiwanese government about the threat of China – a mark of how he is respected across the world. Contrast that with Ed Miliband, who has spent his first months touring the world pushing his weird Net Zero agenda.
‘Kemi has made defence one of the central organising principles of her leadership. Alongside Alex Burghart and James Cartlidge, Tom will be part of a three-person team leading on our national security and international affairs.’
Mrs Badenoch paid tribute to Dame Priti’s contribution.
‘Priti has been exceptionally loyal, hard-working and supportive during a very difficult period for the Party,’ the leader said.
‘She came into the Shadow Cabinet when we needed experienced people who could operate without a large infrastructure behind them. Priti has done a very important job. Now I am asking her to do another important job, as International Secretary of the Conservative Party.’
Mr Tugendhat is seen as one of the most hawkish MPs on China, and he was given the news that he is the new shadow foreign secretary while he was in Taiwan discussing the threat the superpower poses to its neighbour
Dame Priti Patel said her return to the backbenches would give her ‘greater freedom to stand up’ for her Witham and Essex constituency in the Commons
Priti Patel is leaving the front bench as Mrs Badenoch sharpens her attack on Andy Burnham
Stuart Andrew has left the health brief and returned to the backbenches
Dame Priti added: ‘With Labour axing key transport schemes, cancelling plans for a new school, threatening to destroy our countryside, councils and communities, and cutting policing, I will be a vocal champion for my constituents in the House of Commons defending their interests and demanding action.’
Sir James said Mrs Badenoch was ‘very supportive’ when he told her earlier this week of his plans to step down, though she would ‘stay neutral’ on the Tory selection process for a mayoral candidate.
A Tory source said Ms Coutinho had done a ‘brilliant job’ on the energy brief, where she was shadowing Ed Miliband until he was made foreign secretary by Mr Burnham.
Her new role will be covered by Julia Lopez until she returns from maternity leave in the New Year. Ms Lopez was shadowing the Government’s science secretary job, but that department was abolished by Mr Burnham.
