On 22 July 2025, Kemi Badenoch, Leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition, carried out a reshuffle of her shadow cabinet. It was the first reshuffle since the leadership election concluded in November 2024.
Changes Colour key
Shadow MinisterPosition(s) before reshufflePosition(s) after reshuffleRef.Edward Argar MPShadow Secretary of State for Health and Social CareBackbench MP – Resigned for health reasonsStuart Andrew MPShadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and SportShadow Secretary of State for Health and Social CareJulia Lopez MPParliamentary private secretary to the leader of the opposition Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and TechnologyKevin Hollinrake MPShadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentChairman of the Conservative PartyJames Cleverly MPBackbench MPShadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local GovernmentNeil O'Brien MPShadow Minister of State for EducationGained additional role of Shadow Minister for Policy Renewal and DevelopmentJohn Glen MPBackbench MPParliamentary private secretary to the leader of the oppositionMatt Vickers MPShadow Minister of State for Illegal Immigration, Crime, Policing and FireDeputy Chairman of the Conservative Party and Shadow Minister of State for Illegal Immigration, Crime, Policing and FireRichard Holden MPShadow Paymaster General and Senior Opposition WhipShadow Secretary of State for TransportNigel Huddleston MPCo-Chairman of the Conservative PartyShadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and SportAlan Mak MP Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and TechnologyBackbench MPDominic Johnson, Baron Johnson of LainstonCo-Chairman of the Conservative PartyBackbench peerGareth Bacon MPShadow Secretary of State for TransportShadow Minister of State for Housing & PlanningAlec Shelbrooke MPBackbench MPShadow Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign AffairsGreg Smith MPShadow Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business & Trade and Senior Opposition WhipShadow Parliamentary Under-Secretary of state for Energy Security & Net Zero and Shadow Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for TransportGareth Davies MPBackbench MPShadow Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Business & TradeSaqib Bhatti MPShadow Minister for Culture, Media and SportShadow Minister of State for EducationJohn Lamont MPBackbench MPShadow Deputy Leader of the House of CommonsMark Garnier MPShadow Economic Secretary to the TreasuryShadow Economic Secretary to the Treasury & Shadow Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Analysis Kemi Badenoch said her shadow cabinet showed the party's "mission of renewal". Her leadership had been under scrutiny and the reshuffle did little to tamp this, as Badenoch had pledged just six months before not to reshuffle her shadow cabinet before the next general election. In the immediate aftermath of the reshuffle Badenoch downplayed potential leadership coup against her.
The return of James Cleverly to the frontbench was noted as the most important appointment with Cleverly shadowing Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner. Robert Jenrick was overlooked for promotion alongside newer MPs from the 2024 intake. The changes were considered a political gamble amid low polling for the party and Badenoch's leadership. Many of the most important roles such as shadow chancellor stayed the same however, one major change was the promotion of Henry Newman to chief of staff to Badenoch. Lee Rowley left the role, which was described as significant due to his closeness to Badenoch.
See also May 2021 British shadow cabinet reshuffle November 2021 British shadow cabinet reshuffle 2023 British shadow cabinet reshuffle
References