British Indian MP Priti Patel Removed As UK Shadow Foreign Secretary In Tory Reshuffle

British Indian Conservative MP Priti Patel has been removed as the UK’s shadow foreign secretary as Opposition Leader Kemi Badenoch carries out a sweeping reshuffle of her top team.

The 54 year old Tory MP will move to the backbenches of the House of Commons while taking on a new “international role” aimed at strengthening the Conservative Party’s ties with like minded conservative and centre right parties around the world.

“I’m pleased to continue supporting Kemi and the Conservative Party in a new role strengthening our relationships with fellow Conservatives and centre right parties around the world,” Patel said in a social media post.

“At a time of profound global uncertainty, when our values and freedoms are under threat, conservatives must work more closely together,” she added.

Patel said her return to the backbenches would give her greater freedom to stand up for her Witham constituency in Essex. She was made a Dame three years ago in recognition of her political and public service.

Badenoch described Patel, one of the most prominent Indian heritage MPs in the Conservative leadership team, as “exceptionally loyal, hard working and supportive during a very difficult period for the party”.

“She came into the shadow cabinet when we needed experienced people who could operate without a large infrastructure behind them. Priti has done a very important job,” Badenoch said, adding that Patel would now serve as the Conservative Party’s international secretary.

According to The Daily Telegraph, Patel has been replaced as shadow foreign secretary by Tom Tugendhat, a former Conservative leadership rival. The former British Army officer previously served as security minister in the Conservative government and chaired the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Select Committee.

The reshuffle also sees Mel Stride replaced by Andrew Griffith as shadow chancellor. Goan heritage Conservative MP Claire Coutinho, who is due to take maternity leave, will become shadow business secretary, with Julia Lopez expected to manage the brief during her absence.

Former cabinet minister James Cleverly has also resigned as shadow communities secretary as he seeks to become the Conservative candidate for London mayor in the May 2028 election.

Cleverly, who served as foreign secretary under former prime minister Rishi Sunak, said he wanted to rebuild London’s reputation and make it a leading place to live, work, invest and build businesses.

The reshuffle comes as Parliament returns from its summer recess and as Prime Minister Andy Burnham prepares to make his first appearance in the House of Commons since becoming prime minister last month.