Kemi Badenoch has reshuffled her shadow cupboard immediately – with former international secretary Sir James Cleverly returning to the Conservative frontbench.
It’s the first reorganisation of her shadow cupboard since she turned Conservative chief – and chief of the opposition – in November 2024.
Politics newest: One other Tory defects to Reform
Sir James is not going to be made shadow deputy PM, with Ms Badenoch not filling that function. Nonetheless, Alex Burghart informally deputises for her.
It’s understood Sir James will concentrate on “bread and butter” Conservative causes akin to holding council tax low and elevating home constructing targets.
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James Cleverly
The senior Tory served as international and residential secretary and lots of thought he would beat Ms Badenoch to the management final 12 months, however he didn’t make the ultimate two and was not in her preliminary shadow cupboard after committing himself to the backbenches.
Final week, requested if he nonetheless had management ambitions, Sir James mentioned: “I’ve forced a discipline on myself which is not to jump at something.”
Sir James takes over the function from Kevin Hollinrake, who has been appointed Conservative Get together chair and was a businessman earlier than getting into parliament.
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Kevin Hollinrake is the brand new Tory chairman
Earlier on Tuesday, Ms Badenoch introduced Ed Argar was stepping down as shadow well being secretary following a latest well being scare and one other final 12 months, which he mentioned “has continued to impact me”.
In his resignation letter, Mr Argar mentioned he has listened to his docs and household and concluded he wanted to lighten his workload to finish his restoration and “fully restore my health” – and hopes he may be on the frontbench once more.
Mr Argar can be changed by Stuart Andrew, who was shadow digital, tradition, media and sport secretary and labored with care properties earlier than changing into an MP.
Conservative chair Nigel Huddleston will take over Mr Andrew’s transient.
As Reform welcomed one other Tory defector to the social gathering, chief Nigel Farage mentioned the reshuffle was a non-entity and believes the Conservatives “will cease to be a national party” after the Might native elections subsequent 12 months.
Welsh Senedd member Laura Anne Jones defected to Reform at noon on Tuesday, moments earlier than particulars of the reshuffle acquired out.
