British Indian MP Priti Patel sacked as shadow foreign secretary in big reshuffle
Priti Patel, 54, announced on Sunday night that she would move back to the House of Commons backbenches while taking on a new role focused on strengthening the Conservative Party's international relationships.
British Indian Conservative MP Priti Patel has been removed as the UK Opposition's shadow foreign secretary as Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch carries out a sweeping reshuffle of her top team. Patel, 54, announced on Sunday night that she would move back to the House of Commons backbenches while taking on a new role focused on strengthening the Conservative Party's international relationships.
The former British home secretary said the new position would involve building stronger links with like-minded conservative and centre-right parties around the world. The shake-up comes ahead of the UK Parliament's return from its summer recess on Tuesday, with Badenoch seeking to reposition her top team ahead of the new parliamentary session.
PATEL TO TAKE ON NEW ROLE
Patel said she remained committed to supporting Badenoch and the Conservative Party despite leaving the shadow cabinet.
"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," said Patel.
"At a time of profound global uncertainty, when our values and freedoms are under threat, conservatives must work more closely together," she said.
Patel, one of the most prominent MPs of Indian heritage in the Conservative Party's senior ranks, also said returning to the backbenches would allow her to focus more closely on her constituents in Witham, Essex. She said the move would give her "greater freedom to stand up" for the constituency she represents.
Patel was made a Dame three years ago in recognition of her political and public service.
Badenoch praised Patel's contribution to the Conservative Party and described her as "exceptionally loyal, hard-working and supportive during a very difficult period for the party". The Conservative leader said Patel had been brought into the shadow cabinet at a time when the party needed experienced politicians who could work effectively despite limited support and resources.
"She came into the shadow cabinet when we needed experienced people who could operate without a large infrastructure behind them. Priti has done a very important job. Now I am asking her to do another important job, as international secretary of the Conservative Party," said Badenoch.
According to The Daily Telegraph, Patel has been replaced as shadow foreign secretary by Tom Tugendhat, a former Conservative leadership rival of Badenoch. Tugendhat, a former army officer, previously served as security minister in a Conservative-led government and chaired the influential Foreign Affairs Select Committee in the House of Commons.
WIDER CONSERVATIVE SHUFFLE UNDERWAY
Patel's departure is part of a wider reshaping of Badenoch's shadow cabinet as the Conservative Party attempts to strengthen its frontbench team. Among the other significant changes is the replacement of shadow chancellor Mel Stride by Andrew Griffith.
Goan-heritage Conservative MP Claire Coutinho is also set to take on Griffith's former position as shadow business secretary. However, Coutinho is due to take maternity leave soon, with Julia Lopez expected to manage the brief during her absence.
The changes come as the Conservatives prepare to return to Parliament following the summer break and face a new political landscape under Prime Minister Andy Burnham. He is expected to make his first appearance in the House of Commons since becoming prime minister last month when Parliament resumes.
JAMES CLEVERLY QUITS SHADOW ROLE FOR MAYORAL BID
Another prominent Conservative figure, former cabinet minister James Cleverly, has also stepped away from Badenoch's frontbench. Cleverly announced his resignation as shadow communities secretary as he prepares to seek selection as the Conservative candidate for Mayor of London in the May 2028 election.
Cleverly, who served as foreign secretary under former prime minister Rishi Sunak, said he wanted to restore London's reputation and make the capital a city people could once again take pride in.
The Conservative contest for London could eventually put Cleverly up against incumbent Labour Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan, who has yet to confirm whether he will seek an unprecedented fourth term.