Monday, November 4, 2024 Kemi Badenoch plays it safe  The new Conservative leader has opted for stability and unity in her most important shadow cabinet appointment, naming Mel Stride as shadow chancellor.    Stride supported Robert Jenrick in the leadership campaign (after he was himself eliminated in the second ballot), but he is the most experienced and reassuring option as shadow chancellor – given that Jeremy Hunt is ruled out by his close association with the policies of the former government.    It had been speculated that the job might go to Andrew Griffith or to Claire Coutinho, either of whom would have been more of a risk.   Kemi Badenoch's appointment of Priti Patel as shadow foreign secretary is also a "unity and experience" choice – Patel having had the experience of being sacked as international development secretary by Theresa May for conducting her own foreign policy while supposedly on holiday in Israel in 2017.  Written by John Rentoul Quiz question Which current minister in the science department did Lindsay Hoyle beat in the election of speaker five years ago today? Answer at the bottom of today's email Don't forget to complete your registration We've noticed that you still have not completed your registration to The Independent. Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism. It allows us to better understand our readers and tailor your experience. By registering, you'll also gain access to a range of exclusive benefits, including: Limited access to Premium articles Access to The Independent app Access to more than 20 newsletters Commenting on independent.co.uk Unlock these benefits by completing your registration today.  COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW COMPLETE YOUR REGISTRATION NOW Daily briefing Small boat smugglers to be fast-tracked through courts like rioters Chancellor accepted workers will be paid less, but asked 'what alternative was there?' James Dyson condemns Rachel Reeves's 'tractor tax' as 'spiteful' The vacuum cleaner innovator said tightening inheritance tax relief is an 'ignorant swipe at aspiration' Labour increases tuition fees for first time in eight years Fees, which have been frozen at £9,250 since 2017, are expected to rise in line with inflation from September next year What else you need to know today David Lister writes that having Beyonce and Taylor Swift's endorsements will do Kamala Harris no good at all Mary Dejevsky writes that Joe Biden's foreign policy legacy looks even worse now I wrote at the weekend about Kemi Badenoch's almost-impossible task: to prove, while in opposition, that the Conservatives are competent  The Independent View Voters now have a real choice between two clear political paths Politics explained Who will fill new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's shadow cabinet? As the appointments start to be announced, Archie Mitchell sieves the small pool of talent available to the new leader of the opposition...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Worst of Britain's Brexit pain is still to come, admits Treasury minister Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble Our political commentator Andrew Grice on what to look out for Kemi Badenoch will chair the first meeting of her shadow cabinet. When Keir Starmer chairs the cabinet's weekly session, many minds will be on the US election as America votes.    It's "illegal migration week" on Downing Street's media grid, so Starmer will hold a meeting of ministers on how to tackle the people smugglers.   The Commons will sit at 11.30am for questions on justice before MPs continue their debate on the Budget. The Treasury select committee will take evidence on the impact of Rachel Reeves's measures from the Office for Budget Responsibility at 10am and think tanks, including the Institute for Fiscal Studies, at 2pm.   Alan Bates will be among the victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal to be quizzed by the business select committee at 2.30pm. QUOTATION OF THE WEEK "We can't just tax and spend our way to a better NHS"   Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, to the BBC on Sunday Quiz answer: Chris Bryant The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy policy and cookie policy