Central Devon MP Mel Stride replaced as Shadow Chancellor in Tory reshuffle
The MP for Central Devon has been replaced as Shadow Chancellor by Andrew Griffith as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch reshuffles her top team
Sir Mel Stride, MP for Central Devon, has been replaced as Shadow Chancellor as Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch reshuffles her senior opposition team.
Andrew Griffith, MP for Arundel and South Downs, has been appointed as his replacement, with the change announced earlier today, (Monday, 31 August).
Sir Mel has represented Central Devon since 2010 and served as Shadow Chancellor since November 2024.
Under the current constituency boundaries, which came into effect for the 2024 general election, Central Devon includes parts of Mid Devon, Teignbridge and West Devon, including Okehampton, South Tawton, Chagford, Moretonhampstead, Bovey and Ashburton.
Reacting to the change, Sir Mel said it had been an “honour” to serve as Shadow Chancellor for almost two years.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, he said he was particularly proud of the work carried out to rebuild the Conservatives' economic credibility and develop what he described as the beginnings of a “radical and deliverable plan” for the economy.
He said the party needed a credible Conservative plan to deliver stronger economic growth, arguing that this should begin with fiscal responsibility and difficult choices on spending.
Sir Mel also highlighted Conservative proposals including abolishing Stamp Duty, cutting business rates and increasing incentives for people to work.
He said: “I am now looking forward to continuing to make a real contribution to the Conservative team in parliament and beyond, to build and amplify our vision for Britain, from the backbenches.”
Sir Mel will now return to the backbenches after almost two years in the Shadow Chancellor role.
His replacement, Andrew Griffith, said it was a “huge honour” to take on the position.
He said the Conservatives would seek to deliver what he described as an “economic revolution”, including lower and simpler taxes, increased domestic drilling, reduced regulation and changes to Labour's Employment Rights Act.
“A strong country needs a strong economy,” Mr Griffith said.
The reshuffle also sees Claire Coutinho, previously Shadow Energy Secretary, become Shadow Business Secretary.
Dame Priti Patel has been replaced as Shadow Foreign Secretary by Tom Tugendhat.
Kemi Badenoch is reshaping her Shadow Cabinet ahead of the Conservative Party conference in October.