Latest Politics: The return of a big name to the Tory cabinet – and what each election tells us about the new leader

Kemi Badenoch has started to put together her top team, with a few jobs for her beaten rivals at the helm.

And every encounter helps us learn a lot about her, ours deputy political editor Sam Coates say.

The choice of Mel Stride – seen as a centrist compared to Ms Badenoch’s more right-wing leanings – as shadow chancellor suggests she “doesn’t just want fellow travelers from her wing of the party”.

It suggests that she is “prepared to listen to people who may think a little differently – and draw on a larger set of opinions than just her own.”

As for Priti Patel as shadow foreign secretary, Sam believes this is to appease all the right-wing skeptics who preferred Robert Jenrick – the man he beat in the final race for the leadership.

Dame Priti – a former cabinet minister – is a “big figure” on the right “who can calm some nerves”.

And then Laura Trott, the shadow education secretary, is a sign the new leader wants to prove he “can look to the future”.

Having only been an MP since 2019, the former Chief Secretary to the Treasury remains a relatively fresh face.

She joined education brief Neil O’Brien, one of Mr Jenrick’s campaign managers and a choice that shows Ms Badenoch “can even reach people who have supported her opponent”.

As for Mr Jenrick himself, he is set for an “anxious wait” to find out what his job is after Ms Badenoch’s team refused to confirm reports that she has the role of shadow justice secretary.

We should get confirmation in the morning.