Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has appointed Andrew Griffith as the new shadow chancellor, replacing Sir Mel Stride. The change is part of a broader reshuffle of the party's top team as it prepares for its conference in October.
Claire Coutinho, formerly the shadow energy secretary, will step into Griffith's previous role as shadow business secretary. Additionally, Tom Tugendhat has been appointed as the new shadow foreign secretary, succeeding Dame Priti Patel.
Badenoch acknowledged Sir Mel's contributions as shadow chancellor, stating that he was instrumental in helping the party rebuild economic credibility and establish itself as an effective opposition. A senior Conservative source indicated that the reshuffle signals a shift in the party's economic policy approach, aiming to create a new economic leadership team focused on growth, improved living standards, and fiscal credibility for the upcoming phase.
Sir Mel Stride described his tenure as shadow chancellor as a "great honor." He expressed his intention to continue contributing to the Conservative team in Parliament and beyond, amplifying the party's vision for Britain from the back benches.