Kemi Badenoch has initiated a reshuffle of the Conservative Party's top team, with Tom Tugendhat reportedly being considered for the foreign affairs brief. The move comes as Cabinet veteran Priti Patel announced she is leaving the front bench.
Patel stated she will be taking on an "international role" to strengthen the party's global relationships with like-minded parties. She also indicated that a return to the back benches would allow her greater freedom to represent her constituency in Witham and Essex. Patel cited her work on the Chagos Islands deal and calls for stronger action against threats from China, Iran, and Russia during her tenure.
Tugendhat is known for his strong stance on China and has previously opposed plans for a new super embassy in London.
The reshuffle also addresses the vacancy for shadow housing secretary, following James Cleverly's announcement of a bid for the London Mayoralty. Additionally, cover will be required for the shadow energy secretary, Claire Coutinho, who is preparing to go on maternity leave. The positions of other senior figures, such as shadow chancellor Mel Stride, remain unclear as Badenoch prepares for Parliament's return.
Katie Lam is among those being considered for promotion to a more prominent role within the party.
Sir James, referring to Cleverly's departure, noted that Badenoch was supportive of his mayoral ambitions, while maintaining neutrality in the subsequent selection process for a mayoral candidate.