Conservative reshuffle is a response to shifting political tides

With mix of One Nation centrists and rightwing hawks, Tories hope new shadow cabinet can bring back voters

When Kemi Badenoch steps up to the dispatch box for prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, she will face a very different opponent. And while all eyes will be on Andy Burnham’s first PMQs, those in the Conservative ranks will be watching their own leader’s performance just as closely.

Badenoch attempted to get out of the traps quickly this week, instigating a reshuffle of her frontbench like a conscientious head girl refilling her pencil case for the start of term. Out went the unassuming shadow chancellor, Mel Stride, replaced by the Thatcherite Andrew Griffith. He will lead a new economic unit alongside the City minister, Richard Fuller, and Claire Coutinho, who will replace Griffith as shadow business secretary and act as his deputy after her parental leave.