Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

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Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer

What it is
- The shadow chancellor is a member of the UK’s Official Opposition’s Shadow Cabinet. Their job is to monitor and challenge the Chancellor of the Exchequer over economic and financial policies. The position is appointed by the Leader of the Opposition, has no formal constitutional role, and is usually the second-most senior frontbench role after the party leader (unless there is a shadow deputy prime minister).

Current and history
- Incumbent: Mel Stride, since 4 November 2024.
- Inaugural holder: Rab Butler.
- Past shadow chancellors include Harold Wilson, James Callaghan, Edward Heath, Geoffrey Howe, Kenneth Clarke, Gordon Brown, John McDonnell and Rachel Reeves.

Notes on the title
- The term mainly designates the Opposition’s lead economic spokesman.
- The Liberal Democrats have a similar role, sometimes referred to as the Lib Dem Treasury spokesperson, which has led to light-hearted exchanges in Parliament (for example Gordon Brown joking about Vince Cable).

Current leadership lineup (as listed)
- Leader of the Opposition: Kemi Badenoch
- Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer: Mel Stride
- Shadow Foreign Secretary: Priti Patel
- Shadow Home Secretary: Chris Philp