KEY POINTS
- Badenoch vows to return to “authentic conservatism” to regain power.
- Her rightward shift could alienate moderate voters and Conservatives.
- She dismisses criticism, emphasizing her directness as a leadership strength.
Self-described straight-talker Kemi Badenoch vows to return to “authentic conservatism” in order to help the party regain power, and she will bring a combative, right-wing approach to her new position as head of Britain’s Conservative Party.
Kemi Badenoch sets sights on rebuilding the Conservative Party
After the Conservatives suffered their worst election loss under former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in July, Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead a major political party in Britain, is set to upend the party. She is opposing both the Labour administration and Nigel Farage’s right-wing Reform UK party, which gained support from traditional Conservative voters in the most recent election.
In the election, which saw Labour win by a landslide, Badenoch’s rightward move might turn off moderate Conservatives and people who supported the centrist Liberal Democrats. She declared earlier this year at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, “We are going to rewrite the rules of the game.”
“They think I enjoy a good fight. Badenoch declared, “I don’t like fighting, but I’m not afraid to fight,” promising to oppose “left-wing nonsense” and defend Conservative values.
Although Badenoch claims that specific ideas are less important while the Conservatives are out of power, some detractors claim that she is lacking in policy details. Her “Renewal 2030” leadership campaign reflects her conviction that the party needs time to recover before the 2029 election.
Badenoch has quickly risen to prominence in politics. She was elected as Saffron Walden’s MP in 2017 and became the trade minister in 2022. Conflicts with the media, celebrities, and government officials have characterised her term, but she has also seen an increase in support from Conservatives who value her direct approach. Badenoch, who was born in London and grew up in Nigeria, claims that her background instilled in her a respect for Britain’s security and a commitment to Conservative principles like free markets and free expression.
Facing Labour and Reform UK, Badenoch’s shift to the right
According to Reuters, she has accused former Conservative leaders Boris Johnson and Sunak of straying from these ideals, saying they “spoke right and governed left,” which caused voters to defect to rival parties.
There is debate around Badenoch’s vocal opinions on women’s rights and transgender issues. In response to Scottish actor David Tennant’s public request that she “shut up,” Badenoch called him a “rich, lefty, white male celebrity” on X.
Badenoch sees her directness as a strength despite the controversy. She stated, “Many people aren’t accustomed to a politician who speaks honestly.” “I think I can communicate clearly, and that’s what we need.”
