In a letter offering his resignation to former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Mr. Holden said he would contribute to the Tory review of the election, but would not lead it himself.
“I am sure that our party can and will rebuild now, and quickly move to challenge the government in the national interest as we move to take on Labour and win the next general election,” he said in his letter.
He has been replaced as party chairman by Richard Fuller, who represents the North Bedfordshire constituency.
“United as a party, we will be ready and able to hold this new Labour government to account every step of the way,” Mr. Fuller said in a statement.
“The Conservative Party has had a difficult election and it is important that we regroup and reflect on these results.
“We should also challenge ourselves candidly and deeply on the strengths of the Conservative Party across the country and outline where improvements can be made.
“I am honoured to be asked to act as interim chairman of the Conservative Party and to be working alongside colleagues in the shadow cabinet.”
In the same statement that confirmed Mr. Holden’s resignation, the Tories also said that Lord Cameron, who was foreign secretary in the outgoing government, had stepped down.
Replacing him is Andrew Mitchell, who was deputy foreign secretary in the last government.
Lord Cameron wrote on social media platform X that he was “delighted” Mr. Mitchell had taken over the role and described his time as foreign secretary as a “huge honour.”
“As a committed Conservative I will continue to support the Party and help where I can as we rebuild from the very disappointing election result,” he added.
Others lining up on the opposition front bench include Oliver Dowden as deputy leader of the opposition, Jeremy Hunt as shadow chancellor, and James Cleverly as shadow home secretary.
Victoria Atkins is shadow health secretary, while Claire Coutinho has kept her energy security and net zero portfolio in opposition, as have Steve Barclay as shadow environment, food, and rural affairs secretary, and Mel Stride as shadow work and pensions secretary.
Kemi Badenoch has taken on Michael Gove’s former levelling up, housing, and communities brief.
Her former portfolios of business and trade and women and equalities have gone to Kevin Hollinrake and Mims Davies, respectively.
Also taking their places on the opposition front benches are James Cartlidge as shadow defence secretary, Ed Argar as shadow justice secretary, and Chris Philp as shadow leader of the Commons.
