Mel Stride Out, Andrew Griffith In,Tories Give the Economy a New Shadow

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has reshuffled her top team, with Andrew Griffith replacing Sir Mel Stride as shadow chancellor as the party prepares for its annual conference in October. The changes are part of Badenoch efforts to form a new shadow cabinet and reshape the Conservatives approach to economic policy and opposition. Claire Coutinho, who previously served as shadow energy secretary, will replace Griffith as shadow business secretary. Mean while, Dame Priti Patel has been replaced as shadow foreign secretary by Tom Tugendhat. Badenoch paid tribute to Sir Mel Stride, saying he had helped the Conservative Party rebuild its economic credibility and become a more effective opposition. A senior Conservative source said the party was changing its approach to economic policy and creating a new economic leadership team focused on growth, higher living standards and fiscal credibility. Stride, who was appointed shadow chancellor after Badenoch won the Conservative leadership election in 2024, described his time in the role as a great honour. He said he would continue contributing to the Conservative team from the back benches and work to promote the party’s vision for Britain. His replacement, Andrew Griffith, said the Conservatives would deliver what he called an economic revolution, including lower taxes, increased domestic energy production, reduced red tape and opposition to Labours Employment Right Act. Griffith said the Conservatives would support businesses and entrepreneurs that contribute to economic growth, investment and employment. A senior Conservative source described Griffith as a pro growth politician with business experience. Before becoming MP for Arundel and South Downs in 2019, he held senior positions at Sky and served as chairman of Just Eat. The reshuffle is not yet complete. Badenoch will also have to appoint a new shadow health secretary after Stuart Andrew confirmed that he would return to the back benche. Dame Priti Patel, who had served as shadow foreign secretary since 2024, said she would take on a new international role aimed at strengthening Conservative relationships with sister parties and centre right political movements overseas. The changes come as Badenoch seeks to set out a clearer political and economic direction for the Conservatives ahead of the party October conference.