Kemi Badenoch, the new leader of the Conservative Party, has announced the appointment of Chris Philp as the shadow home secretary. Philp, a supporter of Badenoch during her leadership campaign, has previously held several key roles, including a stint as a junior minister in the Home Office. Badenoch’s reshuffling of the shadow cabinet includes significant roles for her former leadership rivals. Robert Jenrick, defeated in the last leadership round, will take on the role of shadow justice secretary. Mel Stride has been named shadow chancellor, and Dame Priti Patel is the new shadow foreign secretary, highlighting a strategic inclusion of diverse party wings.
The reshuffle also sees Ed Argar taking up the position of shadow health and social care secretary, with Claire Coutinho retaining her role as shadow secretary of state for energy security and net zero, now coupled with the shadow equalities brief. Badenoch’s team selection heavily favors those who supported her during her leadership campaign, with 15 backers included. This reshuffle comes as the party aims to unify and recover after a significant electoral defeat.
Despite maintaining a semblance to potential teams under Rishi Sunak, Badenoch’s shadow cabinet signals a conservative continuity rather than a radical change, a decision that might stir discontent among right-wing MPs. The appointments have been described by some insiders as a cabinet that mirrors previous administrations, potentially fueling further internal party conflicts.
