Robert Jenrick has taken on the role of shadow justice secretary in Kemi Badenoch’s senior team, as reported by the BBC. This move follows Badenoch’s election as the new Tory leader.
Badenoch is also expected to appoint Dame Priti Patel as her shadow foreign secretary and Mel Stride as her shadow chancellor. Both Patel and Stride, along with Jenrick, were contenders against Badenoch in the Tory leadership race, with Badenoch ultimately defeating Jenrick in the final round.
A Conservative source indicated that there had been extensive discussions regarding various positions before Jenrick accepted his current role:
“Kemi just doesn’t like Rob. She thinks his whole schtick about her and whether she has any policies has done her lasting damage with the right and with Reform voters. This is only likely to further unravel.”
The tensions between Jenrick and Badenoch escalated during the leadership campaign, where accusations of disrespect were exchanged over policy discussions.
During her victory speech, Badenoch acknowledged Jenrick’s “energy and determination," asserting that they shared more common ground than differences. Jenrick reciprocated by congratulating her and calling for unity among Conservatives.
A formal announcement of Badenoch’s complete shadow cabinet is anticipated ahead of its first meeting on Tuesday. The newly appointed shadow education secretary, Laura Trott, served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury prior, while Neil O’Brien takes on the role of shadow education minister.
Badenoch’s new shadow foreign secretary, Dame Priti, has represented Witham since 2010 and held several ministerial positions during her tenure. Though she resigned from her role as international development secretary in 2017 due to unauthorized meetings, she later returned to government under Boris Johnson as home secretary.
Mel Stride, who joined Parliament in 2010 representing Central Devon, has been a close ally of Rishi Sunak. He previously held the position of work and pensions secretary.
The current Labour government boasts 120 ministers, making it challenging for the Tories to shadow all posts with their 121 MPs. Former Home Secretary James Cleverly recently stated he would not participate in the shadow cabinet, expressing a desire for a break from frontline politics.
Other prominent figures like former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt and former Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden have also opted to return to the backbenches instead of joining Badenoch’s new team.
Leadership Changes in the Conservative Party New Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has made significant appointments to her shadow cabinet, including Dame Priti Patel as shadow foreign secretary and Mel Stride as shadow chancellor.
Trump’s Tariff Plans: A Day-One Agenda Against Drug and Human Trafficking In a bold move to combat drug and human smuggling, President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose significant tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China immediately after his inauguration on January 20.