Kemi Badenoch was last week unveiled as the new leader of the Conservative Party, becoming the first Black leader of a Westminster party. Ms Badenoch has now announced her Shadow Cabinet, containing a few familiar faces from previous Tory governments, as well as a few new ones, too.
In this piece, we will examine the politicians most important to our industry, all of whom we have written to welcome them to their posts:
Edward Argar MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care
Mr Argar is seen as a reliable pair of hands, having been a ministerial mainstay in the four post-Cameron Tory governments. He has significant experience in this area, having served as Minister for Health under Boris Johnson for almost three years, before the fall of the former Prime Minister’s government. His time in post was marked by the Government’s response to the COVID pandemic. Prior to his ministerial career, Mr Argar spoke passionately in the House on improving care for dementia and mental health, perhaps hinting at where his priorities may lie as he begins developing policy in his new role.
Alan Mak MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology
Ms Badenoch’s ascension has provided Alan Mak MP with his first senior role in the Conservative Party. Mr Mak, the first East Asian MP to be elected to Parliament, is a noted entrepreneur and solicitor. When first elected, he chaired the APPG on Entrepreneurship and, in what is a further positive sign for members, has stated that using new technology to improve the NHS is a priority for him in Parliament. Mr Mak also possesses an interest in robotics, AI, and upskilling workers for high-tech jobs, demonstrating why this job may suit him well.
Andrew Griffith MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade
Mr Griffith’s promotion to the Shadow Business and Trade brief seems to demonstrate Ms Badenoch’s desire to put round pegs in round holes. As a Badenoch ally, he was tipped to be Shadow Chancellor before Mel Stride MP assumed the role in a move aimed at party unification. He has had a stellar career in business and finance, which propelled him to become Export Minister in his friend Boris Johnson’s Government. He then occupied two roles in the Treasury and a stint as Minister for Science, Research and Innovation under subsequent Tory governments. From experience, Mr Griffith appeared highly engaged during his spell as Science Minister which we hope will translate to strong support for life sciences businesses in his current job. Like his leader, Mr Griffith has a strong belief in creating growth and prosperity through enterprise and entrepreneurship and believes in small government.
