It’s a fresh start for the Conservative Party, or at least that’s what Kemi Badenoch hopes as she launches a major reshuffle of her shadow cabinet.
After the bruising general election defeat, the Tory leader says it’s time for “renewal”—and that begins with a top-team overhaul.
James Cleverly Stages a Comeback in Key Housing Role
One of the most eye-catching moves? James Cleverly is back. T
he former Foreign and Home Secretary is returning to frontline politics, this time expected to take over the housing brief.
That role will pit him directly against Labour’s Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Cleverly, once a leadership rival to Badenoch, had been quietly serving as MP for Braintree after losing out in last year’s leadership contest.
Shadow Cabinet Roles Shuffle, But Key Players Stay Put
Despite the changes, some of Badenoch’s frontbench team are staying exactly where they are.
Mel Stride is expected to remain shadow Chancellor, holding down the economic fort.
Chris Philp continues as shadow Home Secretary, while Priti Patel keeps her post as shadow Foreign Secretary.
Meanwhile, Robert Jenrick is sticking with the justice brief—though reportedly causing a stir by commenting on issues well beyond his remit.
New Chairman, New Culture Secretary, and a Health Exit
There are new faces in new places too. Kevin Hollinrake is stepping in as the new Conservative Party chairman, shifting from his previous business brief.
Taking over from him in business is Nigel Huddleston, who’s moving from the culture brief to make room for others.
In health, Ed Argar is stepping down from the shadow cabinet after suffering a health scare earlier this summer.
He revealed in a heartfelt letter that doctors had advised rest, and after listening to both them and his family, he’s decided to lighten his load.
Badenoch praised his service and confirmed Stuart Andrew will take over as shadow Health Secretary.
Badenoch Thanks Argar for His Service and Prioritises His Health
In a personal letter to Argar, Badenoch expressed her sadness at his departure but fully backed his decision to focus on recovery.
Sharing his letter online, she said he would be preparing for his final frontbench appearance in Parliament soon, and she emphasised her appreciation for his contributions to the party.
John Glen Returns and Whispers of Another Old Name
Former minister John Glen is also making a return, this time as Parliamentary Private Secretary to the party leader.
And that’s not all—rumours are swirling that ex-Cabinet minister Lord Maude might also be drafted back into the fold.
A Renewed Party Message and A Jab at Labour
A Tory source summed up the purpose of the reshuffle: “The Leader of the Opposition will be making some changes to her frontbench team today.
The changes reflect the next stage of the party’s policy renewal programme and underline the unity of the party under new leadership.”
They added that Cleverly’s return is strategic, aiming to “take the fight to this dreadful Labour Government.”
Cleverly’s Vision Stays Moderate as He Pushes Back on Right-Wing Populism
Even before his official return, Cleverly had been making headlines.
Speaking recently at the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), he rejected the idea of tearing down the system and starting again, calling such talk “complete nonsense.”
He’s also taken a slightly more progressive stance on climate policy than Badenoch, urging the party to steer clear of climate change denial and “luddite” thinking.
No Plans to Shake Up Shadow Chancellor Role… Yet
Back in January, Badenoch’s team insisted there were no plans to change up Mel Stride’s role as shadow Chancellor.
When asked if he would be in the job for the next four years, her spokesman gave a firm “yes.”
He doubled down when asked if that same stability applied across the shadow cabinet: “We are very happy with our shadow cabinet as it is, thank you.”
What’s Next?
With this reshuffle, Badenoch is hoping to reset the Tory narrative and offer a clearer sense of purpose and direction.
But with Labour firmly in control and the Conservatives still licking their wounds from their electoral loss, the road to true renewal may be longer—and bumpier—than expected.