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A senior Conservative source said the shadow cabinet would be discussing whether to help the government vote through the welfare reforms when they meet on Tuesday morning.

The shadow cabinet minister went on to stress that they were more optimistic: that the resilience of what is often called the world's most successful political party should never be underestimated.

"It is fine for shadow cabinet members and MPs to talk about things that are in the advancement of the Conservative Party," he told reporters.

He ruled out serving in the shadow cabinet of Sunak's successor, after he was unexpectedly knocked out of the leadership contest before the final round.

In her speech, Badenoch will announce details of a "policy renewal programme" - putting each of her shadow cabinet in charge of a policy area.