UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch plans shadow cabinet reshuffle amid defection fears
UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is reportedly planning a major reshuffle of her shadow cabinet to revitalize the opposition and prevent key figures from defecting to Reform UK. The move, described as a "root and branch" reorganisation, targets senior figures including Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel, and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp. Stride faces criticism for lacking energy in his role, while Patel's tenure is linked to high migration levels. Rising Conservative figure Katie Lam is also under scrutiny amid fears she could defect to Nigel Farage's Reform UK, with Badenoch considering elevating her to a more prominent role. The reshuffle aims to inject new momentum into the party's leadership structure.