Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has articulated a clear vision for her party, asserting that while its policies are firmly rooted in right-wing values, they are designed to appeal to the majority of the British public. In a speech delivered in central London on Wednesday morning, Badenoch emphasised a focus on practical solutions over ideological battles, positioning the Tories as the party of common ground.
Defining Conservative Policies for a Stronger Britain
Speaking to Sky News political correspondent Mhari Aurora, Badenoch listed key policies that she believes define the modern Conservative Party. These include delivering a stronger economy, implementing lower taxes, backing business initiatives, and ensuring a better future for children through improved education standards. She also highlighted the importance of pushing aspiration, getting children off social media, and delivering stronger borders by leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
"These are policies that are firmly on the right but will appeal to the majority," Badenoch stated, underscoring her belief that the party's agenda resonates broadly across the electorate. She added that as leader, it is her responsibility to set the policy direction, moving away from past mistakes where the Conservatives attempted to adopt left-wing approaches in government and, in her view, lost their way.
Addressing Defections and Internal Party Dynamics
Badenoch used her speech to address recent defections from the Conservative Party to Reform UK, describing such moves as driven by personal ambition rather than genuine policy disagreements. She specifically referenced former colleagues Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman, who have left the party, suggesting their actions stem from disappointment over leadership contests and cabinet positions.
"This is a tantrum dressed up as politics," she told an audience of Tory MPs and journalists, criticising what she sees as theatrical behaviour from both Reform UK and Labour. Badenoch emphasised that the Conservatives are focused on offering a concrete plan to fix the country, rather than engaging in political drama.
Apology and Accountability in Party Management
In a notable moment, Badenoch addressed a controversial statement issued by the Conservative Party following Suella Braverman's defection, which mentioned looking after her mental health. Badenoch revealed that she had the statement retracted immediately upon discovering it, and the responsible individual was spoken to.
"That's not the sort of party that I'm running," she asserted, highlighting her commitment to accountability and transparency. "What I want people to see is that when we get things wrong, we own up, we apologise and we do something to fix it. That's the difference between the Conservatives and all the other parties."
Building a New Generation of Conservative Leadership
Looking forward, Badenoch announced that the Conservative Party is actively seeking its "next generation" of MPs, inviting applications to join what she described as an army dedicated to delivering meritocracy, dismantling bureaucratic barriers, and getting Britain working again. This move signals a strategic effort to rejuvenate the party's ranks and reinforce its policy agenda.
By framing the Conservatives as a party that combines right-wing principles with broad appeal, Badenoch aims to steer clear of past errors and present a unified, forward-looking vision. Her remarks underscore a determination to focus on what she terms "right and wrong" rather than left-wing versus right-wing battles, appealing to voters seeking practical improvements in their daily lives.
