Priti Patel, a former British Indian Home Secretary, has been appointed as the Shadow Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Secretary by Kemi Badenoch, the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party. Patel, who was once considered a top contender to replace Rishi Sunak as party leader, now joins Badenoch’s frontbench team, which aims to unite the Conservative Party following recent leadership changes.

Patel expressed her thoughts on the appointment through a statement on X, saying, "I am honored to be appointed as the new Shadow Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Secretary. I look forward to working alongside Kemi Badenoch to promote Britain, strengthen our global partnerships, and hold the Labour Government accountable both at home and abroad."

In addition, Patel congratulated Badenoch on her election as Conservative leader, offering her full support: "Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on her election as leader of our great Party. Let’s all come together behind her to renew and rebuild the trust of the British people."

November 5, 2024

Badenoch, who succeeded Sunak and now leads the Conservative opposition with 121 Members of Parliament, has tasked her shadow cabinet with ensuring that Labour is held to account. Other significant appointments include Robert Jenrick as Shadow Justice Secretary and Mel Stride as Shadow Chancellor. Claire Coutinho, of Goan heritage, keeps her position as Shadow Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, while also taking on the additional role of Shadow Equalities Minister.

Patel, who was honoured with a Damehood in Boris Johnson's resignation honours, will now face Labour's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, in parliamentary debates.