She has been rewarded with a promotion to shadow education secretary.Born in Oxted, Surrey, she attended a state school before going on to study history and economics at Oxford University.She cites Sir John Major as an inspiration in her decision to join the Conservative Party in her teens.

Kemi Badenoch has announced the shadow cabinet – her top team who will be going head to head with Labour’s frontbench in the House of Commons. Among those appointed are some familiar faces as well as some completely unknown Tories.