Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has undertaken a major reshuffle of her shadow cabinet, replacing Sir Mel Stride as shadow chancellor and Dame Priti Patel as shadow foreign secretary. Andrew Griffith is set to take over as shadow chancellor, while Tom Tugendhat will assume the role of shadow foreign secretary.

The changes come as the Conservative Party looks to re-energize its image ahead of the party's conference in October. With current polling placing the Conservatives in third position behind Labour and Reform UK, Badenoch is seeking a refreshed team to improve the party's standing.

Badenoch acknowledged Sir Mel Stride's contribution as shadow chancellor, stating he helped the party rebuild economic credibility and become an effective opposition. A senior Conservative source indicated the reshuffle signals a new approach to economic policy, focusing on growth, higher living standards, and fiscal credibility. Sir Mel described his tenure as a "great honour."

Griffith, the new shadow chancellor, has pledged to pursue an "economic revolution" characterized by lower taxes, increased domestic energy production, deregulation, and a rollback of Labour's Employment Rights Act. He emphasized support for "risk-takers and wealth creators." The Conservative source described Griffith as a "no-nonsense, pro-growth shadow chancellor with real business experience."

Griffith's appointment has drawn criticism from opposition parties. Bridget Phillipson, Labour Party chair, labeled him a "key architect of Liz Truss's disastrous mini-Budget." Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesperson Daisy Cooper suggested his selection indicated a willingness to "forfeit any claim to economic credibility" in competition with Reform UK. Reform UK shadow chancellor Robert Jenrick stated the Conservatives "haven't changed and still aren't sorry for the damage they inflicted."

Priti Patel, who served as shadow foreign secretary since 2024, will move to the backbenches. She is expected to take on a new international role focused on strengthening relationships with international centre-right movements and sister parties.

Other appointments include Claire Coutinho becoming shadow business secretary, replacing Griffith and serving as his deputy. Damian Hinds has been named the new shadow health and social care secretary, taking over from Stuart Andrew, who is returning to the backbenches. Katie Lam is the new housing secretary, following Sir James Cleverly's departure from the front bench to pursue a bid for London mayor.

The reshuffle signifies Badenoch's strategy to reshape the Conservative Party's front bench as it navigates a challenging period in public opinion and prepares for future electoral contests. The effectiveness of these changes in boosting the party's popularity remains to be seen.