4.69°C Vancouver

Nov 5, 2024 3:09 PM - Connect Newsroom

New U.K. Opposition leader picks Priti Patel as her shadow Foreign Secretary

Share On
new-u-k-opposition-leader-picks-priti-patel-as-her-shadow-foreign-secretary
Indian-origin Priti Patel was among the initial contenders in the contest to succeed Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

Former British Indian home secretary Priti Patel has been appointed shadow foreign secretary to the Conservative party leader Kemi Badenoch, who replaced Rishi Sunak and became the Conservative leader. The shadow foreign secretary will join the opposition benches in the House.

Indian-origin Priti Patel was among the initial contenders in the contest to succeed Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party and Leader of the Opposition. With Robert Jenrick and Mel Stride appointed as shadow justice secretary and shadow chancellor, respectively, Badenoch’s choices for her frontbench are viewed as efforts to bring unity to a fractured Conservative Party.

"Congratulations to Kemi Badenoch on her election as leader of our great Party," posted Patel on X over the weekend after the election result was declared.

"Let's all unite behind her to renew and earn back the trust of the British people. I look forward to supporting her in holding this dishonest and self-serving Labour government to account and in putting forward a Conservative vision for the future of our great county," she said.

Latest news

canada-seeks-stronger-defence-investment-ties-as-industry-minister-heads-to-south-korea
CanadaNov 24, 2025

Canada seeks stronger defence investment ties as Industry Minister heads to South Korea

Industry Minister Mélanie Joly is travelling to South Korea this week for a series of meetings aimed at expanding Canada’s defence-related industrial partnerships and attracting new foreign investment. The five-day mission includes stops in Seoul and Busan before continuing on to Tokyo. Her visit comes as Ottawa works to broaden its export markets beyond the United States and accelerate long-term procurement planning. A key stop on the trip includes discussions with executives at Hanwha, one of two companies bidding on Canada’s multibillion-dollar project to build a new fleet of up to 12
canada-and-india-move-to-restart-comprehensive-trade-talks
CanadaNov 24, 2025

Canada and India move to restart comprehensive trade talks

Canada and India are taking steps to restart negotiations toward a full trade agreement, marking a renewed push after more than a decade of on-and-off discussions. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signalled their interest in reviving the effort during meetings around the G20 summit in Johannesburg. Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand told The Canadian Press that both governments want a broad agreement covering major industrial sectors as well as services. The two countries first pursued such a deal in 2010, but talks were scaled back in recent years to focus
11-injured-after-grizzly-attacks-b-c-students-in-bella-coola
BCNov 21, 2025

11 injured after Grizzly attacks B.C. students in Bella Coola

A grizzly bear attacked a group of elementary school students in Bella Coola, in B.C.'s Central Coast region. A total of 11 people were injured in the incident, with two in critical condition and two others seriously injured. According to BC Emergency Health Services, seven people were treated at the scene. The incident is believed to have occurred around 2 p.m. Thursday. According to eyewitnesses, several people tried to stop the bear and a male teacher confronted the bear and suffered serious injuries. According to information, this teacher was taken to the hospital by helicopter. The Bella
CanadaNov 20, 2025

Indian national wanted in murder case arrested after being refused entry at Canada–U.S. border

U.S. border officials say a 22-year-old Indian national was taken into custody at the Peace Bridge crossing at Fort Erie after Canadian officers refused him entry over the weekend. The case is drawing renewed attention to cross-border screening practices that affect travel between Ontario and Western New York, a corridor frequently used by travellers from Ontario’s South Asian communities. According to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the man – identified as Vishat Kumar – had previously entered the United States without authorization in 2024 and did not appear for a
chrystia-freeland-to-leave-parliament-for-senior-leadership-role-with-rhodes-trust-in-u-k
CanadaNov 20, 2025

Chrystia Freeland to leave Parliament for senior leadership role with Rhodes Trust in U.K.

Chrystia Freeland is preparing to leave federal politics next year as she moves to Oxford, England, to take up a senior leadership role with the Rhodes Trust. The educational charity confirmed that Freeland will become its next chief executive officer on July 1, overseeing one of the world’s most influential international scholarship programs. The organization administers the Rhodes Scholarship, which brings students from around the globe to study at the University of Oxford. Freeland’s appointment places her at the centre of an institution that has produced generations of leaders in publi

Related News