With Cleverly centre stage, the Tories have a new look – but that isn’t the same as a plan | Martin Kettle

The article discusses the recent shadow cabinet reshuffle by Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative Party's new co-chair. The author suggests that while the reshuffle, particularly the elevation of James Cleverly to a prominent role, represents a new look for the Tories, it does not necessarily indicate a clear plan or strategy for the party. The article notes that the reshuffle has received relatively little attention compared to other pressing global issues, but it should not be dismissed entirely. The author sees it as an acknowledgment of a problem facing contemporary centre-right parties and an attempt, albeit incoherent, to address it. The author suggests that if the Conservative Party is fortunate, the reshuffle could be the start of better times, but currently, it is merely a "glimmer amid the Tory gloom" rather than a comprehensive plan. The article concludes that the reshuffle is an inadequate recognition of the party's challenges and an incoherent attempt to address them.