After emerging victorious in the Tory leadership race, Kemi Badenoch has begun to unveil her top team in her new shadow cabinet.
Ms Badenoch, who beat Robert Jenrick to become the new Tory leader, has said the party’s first duty would be to hold Labour to account and to prepare for government by the time of the next election.
Here are the appointments she has made so far:
Dame Rebecca Harris – chief whip
Dame Rebecca has been the Conservative MP for the Essex constituency of Castle Point since May 2010 and will replace Stuart Andrew as chief whip.
The role will see her enforce party discipline and try to ensure MPs vote in line with the leadership.
Dame Rebecca, who supported the Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum, was also Comptroller of the Household between 2022 and 2024 – an ancient and largely ceremonial role handed to a government whip.
Nigel Huddleston and Lord Johnson – joint party chairmen
Nigel Huddleston arrives at party headquarters.
Pic: PA
Sky News understands that Nigel Huddleston and Dominic Johnson have been appointed joint chairmen of the Conservative Party.
The role involves overseeing Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ) and internal party administration.
Laura Trott – shadow education secretary
Laura Trott. Pic: PA
Laura Trott, who served as chief secretary to the Treasury under Rishi Sunak, has been appointed shadow education secretary, Sky News understands.
Ms Trott has been the MP for Sevenoaks since 2019 and has held other ministerial roles, including work and pensions minister.
