Patel to be replaced by Tugendhat as shadow foreign secretary
Tom Tugendhat is set to replace Dame Priti Patel as the UK's shadow foreign secretary in an upcoming Conservative Party reshuffle. Patel will transition to a new role focused on international relations with center-right parties.
Why it matters
The reshuffle reflects ongoing strategic shifts within the UK's Conservative Party as they reorganize their front bench following recent leadership changes.
Image source, Getty Images By Jack Fenwick and Harry Sekulich Published 31 August 2026, 00:28 BST Updated 5 hours ago Former Tory leadership candidate Tom Tugendhat will replace Dame Priti Patel as shadow foreign secretary, BBC News has been told.
As first reported by the Daily Telegraph , external , he will return to the Conservative front bench when Kemi Badenoch reshuffles her team next month.
Dame Priti wrote on social media that she would be leaving the front bench position to take up a new role focused on strengthening "links with sister parties and centre right movements around the world".
It comes after shadow housing secretary Sir James Cleverly said he was resigning in order to run for London mayor .
The move will see Tugendhat return to a senior role for the first time since finishing fourth in the 2024 Tory leadership election.
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