Rishi Sunak announced his new shadow cabinet on Monday, appointing several senior ministers to roles they previously held in government. Former foreign secretary David Cameron resigned following the Conservative Party’s historic election defeat last week, where a record number of cabinet ministers lost their seats.
Andrew Mitchell will manage the foreign policy brief in the interim shadow cabinet. This team of senior spokespeople is chosen by the opposition party leader to mirror the government cabinet.
The Conservative Party faced a significant setback last week, with former defense secretary Grant Shapps among those who lost their seats. Former prime minister Sunak accepted responsibility for the party’s defeat in his resignation speech, as Labour Party’s Keir Starmer became the new leader on Friday.
Richard Holden, who narrowly retained his seat, stepped down as Conservative Party chairman. In his resignation letter to Sunak, he called for “a thorough review into the general election campaign.”
James Cleverly will hold the home office brief, and James Cartlidge will manage defense matters. Chris Philp will be the Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, succeeding Penny Mordaunt. Former business minister Kemi Badenoch will handle the “leveling up” brief.
Jeremy Hunt will continue with the finance brief, and former deputy prime minister Oliver Dowden will become the deputy leader of the opposition.
Interim Chairman Richard Fuller emphasized the need for the party to regroup and reflect on the election results, stating, “The Conservative Party has had a difficult election and it is important that we regroup and reflect on these results. We should also challenge ourselves candidly and deeply on the strengths of the Conservative Party across the country and outline where improvements can be made.”
