Top Tory Dame Priti Patel 'to be replaced by Tom Tugendhat' as shadow foreign secretary

Dame Priti Patel will be replaced by Tom Tugendhat as shadow foreign secretary in a major Tory reshuffle, according to reports.

Former home secretary Dame Priti has revealed she will be taking on an “international role” for the party to strengthen links with “fellow conservatives and centre-right parties” worldwide.

The Telegraph newspaper reported she will be replaced by former security minister Mr Tugendhat.

In a statement on Sunday night, Dame Priti said returning to the back benches would also give her “greater freedom to stand up” for her Witham and Essex constituency in the Commons.

She said: “I’m pleased to continue supporting Kemi and the Conservative Party in a new role strengthening our relationships with fellow conservatives and centre-right parties around the world.

Dame Priti Patel has announced she will be returning to the back benches (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

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“At a time of profound global uncertainty, when our values and freedoms are under threat, conservatives must work more closely together.”

She said it had been “an honour” to lead the party’s foreign affairs team, citing challenges to the Government’s Chagos Islands deal and calls for stronger action to protect the UK from threats posed by China, Iran and Russia.

Dame Priti added: “With Labour axing key transport schemes, cancelling plans for a new school, threatening to destroy our countryside, councils and communities and cutting policing, I will be a vocal champion for my constituents in the House of Commons defending their interests and demanding action.”

Sir James said Mrs Badenoch was “very supportive” when he told her earlier this week of his plans to step down, though she would “stay neutral” on the Tory selection process for a mayoral candidate.