Former British Indian Home Secretary, Priti Patel,was appointed as the Shadow Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Secretary by the new Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch.
Patel, who was among the initial contenders to succeed Rishi Sunak as party leader, now joins Badenoch’s frontbench team, aimed at uniting the Conservative Party after its recent leadership transitions.
Honoured to be appointed as the new Shadow Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary.
— Priti Patel MP (@pritipatel) November 5, 2024
I look forward to working with @KemiBadenoch to promote Britain, forge and strengthen our partnerships across the globe, and hold this Labour Government to account at home and abroad. https://t.co/qSWwnVM0q9
In a statement posted on X, Patel reacted to the role, stating,“Honoured to be appointed as the new Shadow Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Secretary. I look forward to working with Kemi Badenoch to promote Britain, forge and strengthen our partnerships across the globe, and hold this Labour Government to account at home and abroad.”
Patel also congratulated Badenoch on her election as Conservative leader, pledging her support, : "Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on her election as leader of our great Party. Let's all unite behind her to renew and earn back the trust of the British people."
Badenoch, who replaced Sunak and is now leading the Conservative opposition with 121 Members of Parliament, has tasked her shadow cabinet with holding Labour accountable. Other key appointments include Robert Jenrick as Shadow Justice Secretary and Mel Stride as Shadow Chancellor. Claire Coutinho, of Goan origin, retains her role as Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero and has been assigned an additional role as Shadow Equalities Minister.
Patel, who was awarded a Damehood in Boris Johnson's resignation honours, will now face off against Labour’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, in parliamentary debates.
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login