Kemi Badenoch appoints Rebecca Harris to Tory shadow cabinet

As Chief Whip, the MP for Castle Point will be responsible for maintaining party discipline and ensuring members vote in-line with Conservative leadership.

Kemi Badenoch was confirmed as the leader of the Conservative party on Saturday following a vote by party members in which she defeated Robert Jenrick.

Dame Harris has held her Castle Point seat since 2010 and has held a number of official roles during her parliamentary career.

In 2023, she took part in the coronation of King Charles III in her role as the Comptroller of the Household – an ancient ceremonial position.

For her political and public service, she was made appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the 2024 Birthday Honours List.

Dame Harris' predecessor Stuart Andrew, the MP for Daventry who was appointed Chief Whip in July, responded to Harris’ appointment with a post on X.

He said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as the Conservative Party Chief Whip.

“Rebecca Harris is a great friend and a brilliant Whip. I wish her all the best in the role.”

Badenoch’s victory saw her become the first black woman to lead a major political party in the UK.

The process of selecting the full shadow cabinet is expected to continue today.

Shadow cabinet roles are filled by members of the official opposition party in the House of Commons. They exist to oppose and challenge their government counterparts.

Michael Dixon, Chair Castle Point Conservatives said: “We are incredibly proud and happy to see our MP, Dame Rebecca Harris, appointed as Chief Whip for the Conservative Party.

“Her dedication and service to both her constituents and the party have been exemplary, and this appointment is a fitting recognition of her hard work.

“As a party, we are now looking to the future, and with Rebecca in this pivotal role, we are confident it will bring great strength and unity to the Conservative Party.”