The unveiling of new Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s shadow cabinet has been overshadowed by apparent tensions with her former leadership rival Robert Jenrick, prompting calls from senior Tories for the two to quickly resolve their differences for the sake of party unity.
Jenrick Appointment Marred by Briefings
Badenoch, who defeated Jenrick in the final ballot of Conservative party members, announced her shadow cabinet on Tuesday. However, the process was marred by leaks the previous evening suggesting Jenrick had been appointed shadow justice secretary but had pushed for a more senior role.
According to sources close to the discussions, this initial briefing did not come from the new leader’s team, hinting at behind-the-scenes jockeying for positions. The incident has raised concerns that lingering rivalries from the at-times acrimonious leadership contest could undermine Badenoch’s efforts to unite the party.
“No Tolerance” for Discord
One former cabinet minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, warned that there would be little patience among MPs and party members for continued “pettiness” between Badenoch and Jenrick. “Most people understand that there is so much work that we have to do in the Conservative party and discord and rivalry are just not something that is really going to work,” they cautioned.
Another senior Conservative figure urged the shadow cabinet to be “loyal team players” and not to repeat past mistakes of “briefing against our new leader.” They added bluntly: “Tory wars are so boring – we need Tory ideas and energy.“
Policy Differences Persist
The Badenoch-Jenrick dynamic is complicated by their markedly different stances on key policy issues during the leadership campaign, particularly immigration. While Jenrick strongly advocated leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, Badenoch was more cautious, saying it was not a “silver bullet” solution.
In one testy exchange, Jenrick reacted angrily to Badenoch referencing the “whiff of impropriety” around his exit as housing secretary following a conflict-of-interest controversy. He warned ominously that continuing such attacks would spell “the death of the Conservative party.”
Continuity and Change in Top Team
In forming her shadow cabinet, Badenoch rewarded some leadership rivals with prominent roles. Mel Stride became shadow chancellor and Priti Patel shadow foreign secretary, while the coveted post of shadow home secretary went to Chris Philp, a vocal Badenoch supporter during the contest.
There was also continuity in some positions, with James Cartlidge remaining as shadow defense secretary and Kevin Hollinrake moving from the business brief to housing and communities. However, one notable absence was Tom Tugendhat, who declined an unspecified shadow cabinet role to return to the back benches.
Our party’s problems will only be solved with a team effort, and I am confident my shadow cabinet ministers will deliver effective opposition as we seek to win back the trust of the public.
– Kemi Badenoch, Conservative Party Leader
Looking Ahead
As the Conservatives look to move forward in opposition and eventually back to government, the onus will be on Badenoch to both stamp her authority on the party and promote unity after months of turmoil. Managing relations with Jenrick and ensuring her top team is working cohesively will be an early test of her leadership abilities.
While Badenoch has talked of drawing on “the talents of people from across the Conservative party, based on meritocracy,” her cabinet construction and man-management skills will have to be exceptional to overcome bitter divisions. With the leaks around Jenrick’s appointment fresh in everyone’s minds, many in the party will be hoping this marked a temporary blip rather than a sign of troubles to come. The next few weeks will be crucial in setting the tone for this latest incarnation of the Conservatives.
