Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has overhauled her top parliamentary team, removing high-profile figures such as Sir Mel Stride and Dame Priti Patel from the shadow cabinet. The leadership shakeup comes ahead of the party's autumn conference in October, as the opposition attempts to reverse its current standing in national opinion polls behind Labour and Reform UK.

Under the changes, Andrew Griffith takes over the shadow chancellor portfolio from Sir Mel, while Tom Tugendhat steps in as shadow foreign secretary, replacing Dame Priti. Party insiders indicate the strategy is designed to inject fresh energy into the opposition ranks and present a revamped economic team focused squarely on growth, productivity, and fiscal stability.

Badenoch expressed gratitude to Sir Mel for his efforts in restoring the party's economic standing following her assumption of the leadership in late 2024. Sir Mel stated that serving in the role had been a profound privilege. Meanwhile, Griffith outlined an ambitious agenda centered on tax reductions, domestic energy production, regulatory reform, and opposition to current labor legislation. Supporters praised his background in the corporate sector and previous ministerial experience.

However, political opponents immediately criticized the appointment, with Liberal Democrat representatives drawing attention to Griffith's past support for the controversial 2022 economic package under former Prime Minister Liz Truss. Critics argued the move demonstrated a lack of fiscal caution.

Dame Priti, who led the shadow foreign office since 2024, is stepping down to the backbenches. She will transition to an international portfolio focused on building alliances with conservative and center-right movements globally.

The reshuffle also addresses other vacancies within the opposition front bench. Claire Coutinho is slated to assume the shadow business secretary role following her maternity leave, while continuing to serve as Griffith's deputy. Additional changes are expected as Stuart Andrew returns to the backbenches and Sir James Cleverly steps away to pursue a run for the London mayoralty.

The restructuring is aimed at tackling several strategic challenges for the opposition. Party leadership reportedly sought to replace figures with low public visibility or those struggling to effectively challenge both the governing Labour administration and the surging Reform UK party. Furthermore, replacing veteran ministers helps distance the current lineup from the administration defeated in the 2024 general election.

By placing figures like Tugendhat—a former security minister and army reservist—into key national security posts, the leadership aims to capitalize on perceived vulnerabilities in the current government's defense policies. Badenoch hopes the refreshed personnel will unify the party and reconnect with voters before the upcoming conference season.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.