Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has reshuffled her shadow cabinet as the party prepares for a new political battle with Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The changes come as Badenoch faces Burnham for the first time at Prime Minister’s Questions, following his first appearance in the House of Commons as prime minister.

The reshuffle brings Andrew Griffith into the shadow Treasury role, while Tom Tugendhat has been moved into the shadow foreign secretary position. The changes are designed to strengthen the Conservatives’ response to the new Labour government and sharpen their economic and foreign-policy messaging. 

The Conservatives are also attempting to balance experienced figures with politicians seen as more moderate, as Badenoch seeks to rebuild the party’s position against a Labour government that has entered a new phase under Burnham.

The political stakes are high, with speculation already focusing on the next general election and whether the Conservatives can regain support from voters currently considering Labour, Reform UK and other parties.

Badenoch’s reshuffle signals that the Conservatives are preparing for a longer-term contest with Burnham rather than simply reacting to the change of government.