Kemi Badenoch has reshuffled her shadow cabinet, making key appointments that have raised eyebrows within the party. Tom Tugendhat has been named shadow foreign secretary, replacing Priti Patel, while Andrew Griffith takes over as shadow chancellor from Mel Stride.
Changes in the Shadow Cabinet
James Cleverly announced he plans to stand as the Conservative candidate for London mayor in two years' time. Katie Lam, elected only two years ago, replaces Cleverly as shadow housing secretary. Patel's departure as foreign secretary was not a surprise, but Tugendhat's appointment has been questioned given his One Nation background.
Tugendhat, who previously joked about not standing against Badenoch, is seen as a serious politician but may not fully align with the party's current direction. Griffith, co-author of Liz Truss's mini-budget, has been appointed shadow chancellor, despite concerns about his economic judgment.
Starmer's Quiet Summer
Keir Starmer has announced he is standing down as an MP, remaining a backbencher. His summer has been quiet, with his phone going silent and no demands on his time. He donated a copy of Tom Baldwin's biography of himself to the No 10 library.
Personal Reflections and Naming Wars
In a personal reflection, the author describes clearing out his late mother's house, noting that most possessions were sold or discarded, leaving only photograph albums as meaningful keepsakes.
Donald Trump has been renaming geographical features, including the Gulf of Mexico and Lake Ontario, with Canada responding by putting up signs. The author suggests treating him like a child, proposing humorous counter-renames.
Autumn TV and Football
The author laments Spurs' poor start to the Premier League season, having spent over a third of a billion pounds on players but losing both opening matches without scoring. On TV, he is enjoying the BBC's Vigil and ITV's Trigger Point, noting their implausible plots but entertaining nature.
