Beyond the Base: Kemi Badenoch Urged to Expand Tory Appeal Amid Leadership Contest, Says Ruth Davidson

Peer notes Kemi Badenoch must expand support beyond staunch Conservatives for party rejuvenation

According to Ruth Davidson, Kemi Badenoch appears confident in her lead, evidenced by her minimal media engagements compared to her counterpart, Robert Jenrick.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Friday, October 18, 2024, 11:

Ruth Davidson, a Conservative peer, has stated that if Kemi Badenoch is elected as the leader, she will be tasked with revitalizing the Conservative party. Davidson emphasized that Badenoch must engage with individuals beyond the party's core supporters.

On the Electoral Dysfunction podcast, Baroness Davidson informed Beth Rigby that Ms Badenoch, currently a finalist in the Conservative leadership race, must engage beyond the traditional Conservative base to revitalize the party.

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She commented that Ms. Badenoch's preference for engaging with media outlets like The Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Daily Express, and GB News, which are predominantly favored by Conservative members and voters, suggests "a definite lack of confidence."

"Whoever takes on this role will need to reconstruct the Conservative party, reaching out beyond the core base of staunch supporters," stated Baroness Davidson.

"If she is victorious, she must quickly change her approach."

The Tory peer and ex-chief of the Scottish Conservatives stated that Ms. Badenoch, the previous business secretary, appears confident in her lead and feels no need to aggressively pursue it.

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Ms. Badenoch has been less visible throughout the campaign than her opponent, Robert Jenrick, who has been actively participating in rallies, engaging with TV and print media, and maintaining a strong presence on social media platforms.

"Baroness Davidson suggested that Robert Jenrick believes he has tasks to accomplish and that increasing his visibility will enhance his popularity," she said.

Kemi's team seems to believe there's value in maintaining a somewhat undefined persona, allowing voters to see in her what they desire. This strategy could make her appear as the ideal conservative candidate in the eyes of various voters, increasing her appeal and their likelihood to support her.

Further reading: Cabinet members required to 'agree' to budget reductions. Financial disarray as several agencies fail to meet deadline.

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The Conservative peer mentioned that it indicates both assurance and a lack of it that she is avoiding extensive media engagement.

"She believes she's currently ahead, but it's not actual confidence. She's worried that the more people see of her, the greater the risk of losing that lead," she explained.

Baroness Davidson disclosed earlier that her vote went to James Cleverly, the ex-home secretary and foreign secretary, who was eliminated from the contest last week following allegations of vote trading.

Baroness Davidson expressed her belief that Mr. Cleverly is likely to be appointed to a position in the shadow cabinet.

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