Conservatives reshuffle frontbench, appoint former Sky COO as shadow chancellor
The Conservative Party has installed a former Sky executive as its new shadow chancellor, signalling a shift in economic strategy before Parliament reconvenes.
Andrew Griffith has been named the Conservative Party’s new shadow chancellor, taking over from Sir Mel Stride as the opposition prepares for Parliament’s return on Tuesday. Griffith, who previously served as shadow business secretary, will now head a newly created Conservative Economics Unit, with Claire Coutinho moving from the energy brief to act as his deputy on economic matters.
Why the change matters
The reshuffle is intended to refresh the party’s message on growth, living standards and credibility, according to sources close to Kemi Badenoch, the party’s leader in the House of Commons. Business leaders have welcomed the move; Andy Bell, founder of AJ Bell, praised Griffith’s “effective” grasp of regulation, while Luke Johnson of Gail’s called him “eminently qualified”.
Griffith is the only sitting MP with senior experience at a FTSE‑100 firm, having been chief operating officer at Sky. That corporate pedigree is seen as a counterpoint to Stride’s reputation for “seriousness and stability”. The move also aligns with Badenoch’s pledge to cut taxes and regulation to “get Britain working again”.
“Andrew and Kemi are in complete lockstep on how we back business, bring down taxes and regulation and get Britain working again,” a senior party source said.
Other frontbench adjustments
In related changes, Tom Tugendhat has been promoted to shadow foreign secretary, while former Home Secretary Priti Patel shifts to an “international role” building ties with centre‑right parties abroad. James Cleverly resigned as shadow housing secretary to pursue the London mayoralty, prompting Katie Lam to take his place.
Additional moves include Julia Lopez covering for Coutinho during her maternity leave, and Richard Fuller remaining as shadow chief secretary to the Treasury. Rebecca Paul replaces Nigel Huddleston as shadow culture secretary, and Stuart Andrew steps down as shadow health secretary.
Opposition leader Robert Jenrick of Reform UK criticised the reshuffle, saying the Tories have “not changed” and remain untrustworthy on fiscal reforms. His comments echo broader scepticism about the party’s ability to deliver on promised cuts to benefits and net‑zero subsidies.
Analysts say the reshuffle is a bid to boost public support ahead of a potential snap election, with polling suggesting the Conservatives are now level with Labour at roughly 23 % of the vote. If an election is called, the new economic team will be front and centre in the party’s campaign narrative.
Looking ahead, the revamped frontbench will need to translate its business‑focused rhetoric into concrete policy proposals. Success or failure in that endeavour could shape the Tories’ electoral fortunes and the broader debate over the UK’s economic direction.
