Key facts
- Tom Tugendhat has been appointed shadow foreign secretary.
- Priti Patel will take on an "international role" building alliances with global centre-right parties.
- James Cleverly resigned to stand for London mayor.
- Stuart Andrew is leaving his position as shadow health secretary.
- Kemi Badenoch is conducting a shadow cabinet reshuffle.
Tom Tugendhat has been promoted to the Conservative front bench as shadow foreign secretary in a reshuffle by Kemi Badenoch. The move sees Priti Patel demoted from her role as shadow home secretary to an "international role" focused on building alliances with centre-right parties globally.
Tugendhat, who previously served as security minister from 2022 to 2024, has been a vocal critic of Russia, Iran, and China. A source close to Badenoch indicated Tugendhat received the "good news" while discussing threats from China with Taiwanese officials.
The reshuffle was triggered by James Cleverly's resignation on Saturday to pursue a candidacy for London mayor. Stuart Andrew is also stepping down as shadow health secretary. Claire Coutinho's replacement is also expected soon as she prepares for maternity leave.
Political strategists are speculating that an election could be called within months. Badenoch has reportedly requested early access talks with Whitehall officials, a privilege typically granted closer to an election. Current polling shows the Conservatives level with Labour at 23% voter share, behind Reform UK at 26%.