Story perspectives

Badenoch Appoints Tom Tugendhat Shadow Foreign Secretary

8/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch will appoint Tom Tugendhat as shadow foreign secretary, replacing Priti Patel.
Patel said on X she is leaving to strengthen ties with sister parties and centre-right groups.
Claire Coutinho will take maternity leave, prompting a reshuffle of the shadow energy brief.
Sir James Cleverly quit as shadow housing secretary to run for London mayor.
Sources say shadow chancellor Mel Stride may be ousted, with Andrew Griffith favoured.

1 of 1

Story summary

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch will appoint Tom Tugendhat as shadow foreign secretary, replacing Priti Patel.
Patel said on X she is leaving to strengthen ties with sister parties and centre-right groups.
Claire Coutinho will take maternity leave, prompting a reshuffle of the shadow energy brief.
Sir James Cleverly quit as shadow housing secretary to run for London mayor.
Sources say shadow chancellor Mel Stride may be ousted, with Andrew Griffith favoured.