As Kemi Badenoch prepares to address Prime Minister’s Questions this Wednesday, she will encounter a significantly different adversary. While the spotlight will be on Andy Burnham’s inaugural appearance at PMQs, Conservative party members will be equally focused on how their leader performs in this new dynamic.
This week, Badenoch made quick changes to her frontbench team, reminiscent of a diligent student organizing her supplies for a new school year. Mel Stride, the previous shadow chancellor, was replaced by the Thatcherite Andrew Griffith. He will lead a new economic unit alongside City minister Richard Fuller, with Claire Coutinho taking over Griffith’s former role as shadow business secretary upon her return from parental leave.
Priti Patel was also dismissed from her position as shadow foreign secretary, paving the way for Tom Tugendhat, a former Conservative leadership contender, to step in. Additionally, Katie Lam, known for her strong anti-migration stance, will take on the role of shadow communities secretary, succeeding James Cleverly, who left the shadow cabinet to pursue a run for London mayor.
The newly formed shadow cabinet will make its debut on Wednesday, overshadowed by the enthusiasm of 403 Labour MPs eager to support their new leader. Badenoch’s effectiveness in this setting will be crucial.
According to Conservative peer and polling specialist Robert Hayward, “Kemi must change her strategy because she is now up against a different opponent.” He likened her situation to that of a football manager needing to adapt to the strengths of the opposing team, emphasizing that Badenoch and her party recognize the necessity for adjustment.
In the closing weeks of Keir Starmer’s term, Badenoch exhibited a combative style, showing little restraint toward the former prime minister even after his resignation announcement. However, early signs indicate she may be reconsidering her approach, recognizing that Burnham’s personable demeanor may require a more nuanced strategy. Previously, she described him as “a pair of eyelashes and a black T-shirt,” to which Burnham humorously responded in a social media clip, clarifying, “it’s dark blue, actually.”
Conservative commentator Henry Hill noted, “When your opponent is an unpopular prime minister who has been in power for some time, you can afford to be aggressive. But when they are new and enjoying their initial popularity, a more subtle approach is necessary.” Although this level of subtlety isn’t typically associated with the MP for North West Essex, some advisors likely urged her to be cautious and observe how Burnham operates, according to Conservative Home editor Giles Dilnot. “Kemi has her own style, but she doesn’t necessarily need to deliver a decisive blow immediately,” he stated.
According to Dilnot, the reshuffle was not merely a response to a different leadership style but also a strategic move to prepare the party for a potential snap election in 2027. “Everything has shifted,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for readiness.
By incorporating more recognizable figures into her cabinet, such as Tugendhat—viewed as a centrist despite his assertive foreign policy stance—Badenoch appears to be acknowledging the need for balance. The appointment of Damian Hinds, perceived as more centrist than Badenoch, as health secretary further supports this theory. “This counters the notion that she is leading a narrow faction,” Hayward commented.
Some fresh appointments indicate that Badenoch is broadening her search for capable individuals. Andrew Bowie, now in charge of energy, is expected to uphold the “drill, baby, drill” approach that contributed to Conservative success in the Aberdeen South by-election. Harriet Cross, the new secretary for Scotland, is also recognized as a promising talent.
While Badenoch’s personal approval ratings are relatively strong—YouGov reports that 38% of Britons view her positively—this “Keminaissance” has not translated into improved support for her party, which is currently polling at just 19%, down from 25% at the end of 2024.
Hill observed, “Her individual polling has increased, but it hasn’t lifted the party’s standing.” He added that there is a consensus that, if a general election were held now, the Conservatives would face severe losses.
The reshuffle carries inherent risks. Griffith’s tenure as a Treasury minister during Liz Truss’s controversial mini-budget remains a point of contention, and critics warn that Tugendhat’s assertive stance could lead the party into precarious situations. Additionally, Lam’s provocative language may alienate as many voters as it attracts.
However, with the conference season approaching and a Labour party buoyed by Burnham’s recent successes, Badenoch must demonstrate not only her capability for leadership but also her ability to assemble an effective team to govern the nation, Dilnot noted. “Last year focused on Kemi; this year must emphasize the party’s brand,” he concluded.
