Kemi Badenoch, the newly appointed Conservative Party leader, has recently made her first senior appointment by naming Dame Rebecca Harris as the party’s chief whip, replacing Stuart Andrew. This decision comes shortly after Ms. Badenoch’s victory over Robert Jenrick in the leadership race to succeed Rishi Sunak.
Dame Rebecca Harris, the MP for Castle Point, has been serving in politics for a significant period since May 2010. She previously supported the Leave campaign during the 2016 Brexit referendum and held the position of Comptroller of the Household from 2022 to 2024. As the new chief whip, her responsibilities will include maintaining party discipline and ensuring that MPs align with Ms. Badenoch’s preferences.
Following her win, Ms. Badenoch is expected to announce the members of her shadow cabinet before Tuesday. While the exact composition of her team remains unknown, she hinted that all those who ran against her in the leadership race should be involved. However, former Foreign Secretary James Cleverly has already indicated that he will not be joining Ms. Badenoch’s top team, opting to return to the backbenches along with other prominent figures.
In response to questions about the partygate scandal, Ms. Badenoch expressed her belief that the issue had been blown out of proportion and criticized the government’s decision to fine individuals for what she deemed as “everyday activities” during lockdown. Her statements highlight a potential shift in the party’s approach to pandemic-related restrictions and penalties.
Overall, Ms. Badenoch’s early actions as Conservative Party leader signal a new direction for the party, with the appointment of Dame Rebecca Harris as chief whip and the impending formation of her shadow cabinet. As she navigates the challenges of leadership, her decisions will shape the future trajectory of the Conservative Party and influence its stance on key political issues.