Mel Stride axed as Shadow Chancellor as Kemi Badenoch names replacement in mega Cabinet reshuffle
Mel Stride has been axed as the Shadow Chancellor as Kemi Badenoch has begun her Shadow Cabinet reshuffle.
He has been replaced by Andrew Griffith as the Conservative Party prepares for a potential early General Election.
Writing on X, Mr Stride said: "It has been an honour to have served as Shadow Chancellor for almost two years, alongside an exceptionally strong team and a great leader in Kemi.
"I am especially proud of the work we have done to rebuild the Conservatives' economic credibility - an issue on which we now consistently lead in the polls - and to have developed the start of a radical and deliverable plan to turn our economy around.
He added: "The Conservative Party must continue to champion an approach which is both radical and deliverable.
"It is essential that the next Conservative government does things very differently, backing business like never before and getting government out of the way.
"The Conservatives have a good story to tell on this now and one that I know will continue to grow stronger and stronger under Kemi’s leadership."
He marks the fourth Conservative shadow cabinet member to stand down from their role in recent days.
Dame Priti Patel and Sir James Cleverly left as the first big changes to Kemi Badenoch's team, before Stuart Andrew announced he was departing.
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James Cleverly wages war on Sadiq Khan after resigning as Shadow Chancellor to focus on London Mayoral election
Sir James Cleverly, the former Shadow Housing Secretary, has promised to end Lord Sadiq Khan's "war on the motorist" if elected as the next mayor of London.
The former Shadow Housing Secretary resigned from the Conservative front bench to focus on the 2028 Mayoral election.
He has now accused the current Labour mayor of running a "vindictive assault on drivers" in an attempt to "price out" Londoners who did not agree on Net Zero emission targets.
"I think there’s been a real war on the motorist," he told The Telegraph.
"In outer London, this really quite vindictive assault on drivers - both people that drive for family reasons and for people that drive for business - is causing real harm."
'Kemi Badenoch is changing the way the Conservative Party approaches economic policy'
Kemi Badenoch has unveiled her new Economic Leadership Team led by Andrew Griffith as Shadow Chancellor.
Claire Coutinho and Richard Fuller will also work alongside Mr Griffith, who has been hailed as "no-nonsense" and "pro-growth".
A senior Conservative source said: "Kemi is changing the way the Conservative Party approaches economic policy and creating a new economic leadership team for the next phase, focused on growth, higher living standards and fiscal credibility.
"The team will be led by Andrew Griffith, a no-nonsense, pro-growth Shadow Chancellor with real business experience.
"Claire Coutinho will be Andrew's deputy across the economic brief, as well as Shadow Business Secretary, and will make sure growth translates into higher living standards.
"Richard Fuller will be focused on fiscal discipline and the savings work which underpins the economic programme.
"The new Conservative Economic Unit will be the driving force of the Shadow Cabinet’s business and economic policies."
Richard Fuller remains as Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury
Richard Fuller will remain as the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury.
The top Tory was elected as MP for North Bedfordshire in 2019, having previously represented Bedford from 2010 to 2017.
He was appointed CBE in 2024 for public and political service.
A senior Conservative source said: "Richard has had a long, successful career in international business before becoming an MP, working in Australia, South Korea and the United States.
"A Harvard Business School graduate, his solid expertise advising on international investment across the world means he is an ideal Chief Secretary, working across Treasury and Business policy."
Claire Coutinho appointed as Shadow Business Secretary despite leaving on Maternity Leave
Claire Coutinho has been appointed as the Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
GB News understands Julia Lopez will cover for Ms Coutinho, who is on maternity leave until the New Year.
A senior Conservative source said: “Claire has proven herself as one of the Shadow Cabinet’s most adept performers.
"From working in Merrill Lynch and KPMG, to her experience as Energy Secretary and Shadow Energy Secretary, Claire has shown she gets business and what it needs.
"Claire has done a brilliant job shadowing Energy and shown that she can take a complicated economic and technical brief and turn it into policies about making life easier and bills cheaper.
"She will now apply that same focus across the economy."
Kemi Badenoch praises Mel Stride as former Shadow Chancellor exits role
Kemi Badenoch has praised Mel Stride as it was announced he would leave his role as Shadow Chancellor.
The Tory leader said: "Like Priti, Mel came into the job at an exceptionally difficult point for the Conservative Party.
"He brought experience, seriousness and stability when those things were badly needed.
"He helped us steady the ship, rebuild economic credibility and become an effective opposition, and I am genuinely grateful for his contribution.
"The Conservative Party would not have got where we are without his work and his very effective skewering of Rachel Reeves and her disastrous time as Chancellor.
"Mel has been very supportive of the new economic team and the Party, and been exceptionally loyal, and I will always be grateful to him for the work he has done."
Andrew Griffith appointed as new Shadow Chancellor
Andrew Griffith has been appointed as the new Shadow Chancellor.
The MP for Arundel and South Downs entered Parliament in December 2019 and has since held several high-profile government and opposition positions, including in the shadow cabinet as Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade under Kemi Badenoch.
He also served as Shadow Secretary for Science, Innovation and Technology from July to November 2024 and previously as the Minister of State for Science, Research and Innovation.
Mr Griffith held senior ministerial posts including Economic Secretary to the Treasury and Financial Secretary to the Treasury and was appointed by Boris Johnson as the Director of the Number 10 Policy Unit in 2022.
Speaking on the appointment, a senior Conservative source said: “Andrew Griffith has an incredibly impressive financial and business background, as a former COO of Sky and Chairman of Just Eat.
"While the Labour front bench has almost no private sector experience, Andrew’s experience means he not only knows but understands the many issues that businesses face and has a wealth of contacts in the business community.
"As Shadow Business Secretary, Andrew has held the Labour government’s feet to the fire over decisions that have destroyed jobs and choked economic growth and he has led the opposition to Labour’s terrible trade union-demanded Employment Rights Act.
"Andrew and Kemi are in complete lockstep on how we back business, bring down taxes and regulation and get Britain working again."
'It is essential that the next Conservative government does things very differently', says Mel Stride as he quits as Shadow Chancellor
Mel Stride has quit as the Shadow Chancellor, with Andrew Griffith replacing him in the role.
Writing on social media, the Conservative MP for Central Devon, said: "It has been an honour to have served as Shadow Chancellor for almost two years, alongside an exceptionally strong team and a great leader in Kemi.
"I am especially proud of the work we have done to rebuild the Conservatives' economic credibility - an issue on which we now consistently lead in the polls - and to have developed the start of a radical and deliverable plan to turn our economy around.
"If we care at all about people’s living standards, about delivering world class public services, a society at peace with itself and fully protecting our country in a challenging world, then we need a credible Conservative plan to deliver far stronger economic growth.
"That starts with establishing fiscal responsibility and taking the tough choices on spending, allowing us to get on top of our debt and to cut taxes to support growth.
"I am proud that we have made an important start with our pledges to abolish Stamp Duty, cut business rates and increase the incentives for people (especially young people) to work, as well as tackling the overbearing state that is so often holding us back.
"The Conservative party must continue to champion an approach which is both radical and deliverable.
"It is essential that the next Conservative government does things very differently, backing business like never before and getting government out of the way.
"The Conservatives have a good story to tell on this now and one that I know will continue to grow stronger and stronger under Kemi’s leadership.
"I am now looking forward to continuing to make a real contribution to the Conservative team in parliament and beyond, to build and amplify our vision for Britain, from the backbenches."
Who could come into the spotlight?
As reports emerged of the reshuffle, several Tory backbenchers have been tipped to take up a new position in the Shadow Cabinet.
Julia Lopez, who has stuck with Mrs Badenoch since the start of her leadership campaign, has had her department abolished by Andy Burnham.
As a result, the Shadow Science and Technology Secretary is believed to take over a new brief.
Rumours have also swirled in favour of Mrs Badenoch promoting Katie Lam, who has historically been tipped to jump over to Reform UK.
Once one of Boris Johnson's closest advisers, Ms Lam, now a Shadow Home Office minister, has ruled out joining Nigel Farage's party.
One supporter of Ms Lam told GB News she was an "up-and-coming star" - and would assist Mrs Badenoch with the "promise of renewal" the Tory leader has spent the past two years setting out.
An insider suggested Harriet Cross, a Scottish MP, could be in for a promotion following the Tories' historic win in Aberdeen South earlier this year.
Sir Mel Stride, the Shadow Chancellor, has been identified as one of those at risk of being demoted.
This week's anticipated swap-around has been billed as the largest reshaping of Mrs Badenoch since she took control of the Tories.
The party's 2026 conference will take place in Birmingham from October 4 to October 7.
Why has Kemi Badenoch reshuffled her Shadow Cabinet?
Kemi Badenoch's major shadow cabinet reshuffle has been described as a refresh of the party's image, with newer MPs ahead of parliament's return this week.
Insiders claim that the Tory leader wants to phase out MPs, ministers, and officials from the Johnson era.
Ms Badenoch is ramping up efforts to boost Tory popularity in the polls ahead of a potential General Election.
MPs are due to return to Parliament for a brief stint in Westminster on September 1.
She has also been hit with the high-profile exits of Sir James Cleverly, Claire Coutinho and Helen Grant.
Sir James was said to have clarified his intention to run for Mayor of London before the Conservative Party's annual conference in October.
Rising star within the Party, Ms Coutinho will depart the shadow cabinet before she takes maternity leave later on in the year.
Ms Grant will step down as the MP for Maidstone and Malling at the next general election, after her successful treatment for breast cancer.
'I wish Kemi Badenoch, my successor and the whole Shadow Cabinet every success for the future', says Stuart Andrew
Stuart Andrew has wished Kemi Badenoch and the new Shadow Cabinet success in a statement announcing his exit from the Tory top team.
He stepped down as Shadow Health Secretary and will return to the back benches for the first time in nearly a decade.
Writing on social media, the MP for Daventry said: "After nearly 10 years serving on the frontbench, I will now be returning to the backbenches.
"It has been a privilege to serve in numerous roles in Government and in Opposition, and I am grateful for all the support I have received personally from colleagues, my Shadow Health team and my constituency team.
"I would also like to thank all those working across the NHS and social care for their help and cooperation in my most recent role.
"I am proud of the role I played in the months immediately after the General Election in ensuring we hit the ground running in Opposition, and I wish Kemi, my successor and the whole Shadow Cabinet every success for the future.
"I now look forward to continuing to work hard on behalf of all my constituents in the wonderful Daventry constituency."
Priti Patel hails 'greater freedom' in statement after Shadow Cabinet exit
Dame Priti Patel has released a statement following her departure from Kemi Badenoch's Shadow Cabinet.
The message read: "I'm pleased to continue supporting Kemi and the Conservative Party in a new role, strengthening our relationships with fellow conservatives and centre-right parties around the world.
"At a time of profound global uncertainty, when our values and freedoms are under threat, conservatives must work more closely together.
"We should be learning from each other, sharing ideas and making the case for the values we believe in: freedom, free enterprise, lower taxes and individual responsibility.
"It has been an honour to lead the Party's foreign affairs team in Parliament over the last two years.
"We have challenged Labour when it has failed to defend British interests, opposed its £35billion Chagos surrender, and demanded stronger action to protect Britain from the threats posed by China, Iran and Russia.
"From the appointment of Mandelson as US Ambassador and kowtowing to China, to abandoning our friends and allies in the Middle East, Labour has repeatedly failed to put British interests first. I wish my successor well in continuing to hold the Government to account.
"Returning to the backbenches also gives me greater freedom to stand up for Witham and Essex and challenge Labour Ministers directly in Parliament over the decisions hurting my constituents.
"With Labour axing key transport schemes, cancelling plans for a new school, threatening to destroy our countryside, councils and communities and cutting policing, I will be a vocal champion for my constituents in the House of Commons defending their interests and demanding action."
Priti Patel quits Kemi Badenoch's top team as Tom Tugendhat set to be named shadow foreign secretary
Priti Patel has quit Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet as Tom Tugendhat is set to be named as her successor.
Ms Badenoch has begun a major reshuffle of her top team as the Conservative Party prepares for a potential early General Election.
Dame Priti will take on a new senior party role leading the Conservatives’ international engagement and relations.
Mr Tugendhat, a former soldier and security minister, has been a backbencher in the Tories since he challenged for party leadership in 2024.
One of his main jobs will be amplifying the Conservatives’ message on defence, which sources claim is one of the Tories' "central organising principles".
Tonbridge MP confirmed his return to the front bench over the bank holiday weekend while meeting officials in Taiwan about the threat posed by China.
RECAP: James Cleverly quits Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet to run against Sadiq Khan for London mayor
Sir James Cleverly resigned from the Shadow Cabinet over the Bank Holiday weekend as the former Home Secretary confirmed he intends to run to be the next Mayor of London.
The MP for Braintree resigned from Kemi Badenoch's front bench with immediate effect on Saturday.
He made the decision to make his position on his future clear before the Conservative Party's annual conference in October.
Sir James, 56, was born and raised in Lewisham, south London and served as a member of the London Assembly for Bexley and Bromley until 2016.
He has represented the Braintree constituency since 2015, serving as Foreign Secretary under Liz Truss and Home Secretary under Rishi Sunak.
Taking aim at Sadiq Khan, Sir James said: "It’s the visible things that are damaging London’s reputation.
"The impression that the mayor has given up on policing the streets. The constant ratcheting up of tax and regulation. It’s not good enough to say it’s all fake news. The way you deal with bad news, even if it’s unfair, is to put better news out there. Khan has spectacularly failed to do that."
Sir James also heaped praise on Mrs Badenoch as he said the Tory leader is "getting great cut through" to the public.
He said: "Our route to getting Kemi in No10 has got to be through success in London. It’s a business city, entrepreneurialism, arts, culture.
"I don’t buy the lazy idea that London is a Labour city. It represents the philosophical heart of the Conservative Party.
"Frankly, Kemi is doing really well now. She’s getting great cut through. It took longer than any of us would have liked, but she’s getting it."
Following the announcement, he told GB News: "Voters want people who actually get a grip of the situation and make a positive difference."
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