Class and Combat in the Conservative Contest: Badenoch and Tugendhat Battle for Leadership

Upper-class man and lower-class woman become focal points in heated Conservative party leadership race

Kemi Badenoch delivered a calm and cheerful presentation, while Tom Tugendhat used a Ronald Reagan joke to address his inexperience.

Principal political reporter @joncraig

Monday, September 30, 2024, 6:

It's no secret that politicians often repeat themselves.

Sir Keir Starmer often mentions, "My father worked as a toolmaker."

Sadiq Khan often mentions, "Have I mentioned that my father drove a bus?"

Tom Tugendhat often highlights, "I was a soldier. I served my country." But is that truly the case, Tom?

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As the informal discussions featuring the four Conservative leadership hopefuls commenced on stage at the conference, he repeatedly referenced his military service, bringing it up at least twelve times.

"I've dedicated 25 years to serving our nation in various roles," he stated. "I've been on missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, as you're aware. And I've literally been personally engaged in combat for our country."

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Exciting developments! We've uncovered fresh insights about Major Tom, who ultimately achieved the position of lieutenant colonel during his military service.

For example, was it common knowledge that he could swap out a diaper while conducting a radio interview? Or that he is capable of cutting the grass in a perfectly straight line?

Essential abilities!

When questioned about his beer-drinking habits, he disclosed that he quit drinking upon assuming the role of security minister.

His three opponents in the race for leadership of the Conservative Party – Kemi Badenoch, Robert Jenrick, and James Cleverly – each possess significantly greater governmental experience.

In response to Christopher Hope's question during an interview, he cleverly used a joke originally made by Ronald Reagan during a 1984 television debate to counter his younger opponent.

"Mr. Tugendhat stated, "I won't criticize anyone for their lack of combat experience or their unfamiliarity with international relations. I won't fault them for not serving our nation in capacities that required risking their lives."

Another nod to military terminology.

During his Q&A session, he frequently resorted to well-prepared catchphrases. However, it's important to note that his five main objectives were, frankly, exceedingly uninspiring. For example, his top priority was the restructuring of Conservative Party headquarters.

Once more, when probed by Sky News' Trevor Phillips about his elite upbringing, Mr. Tugendhat responded by stating his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan taught him about the nation.

Is this the leading candidate?

When Kemi Badenoch spoke, she reiterated her previous assertion that her initial job at McDonald's upon arriving in the UK from Nigeria classified her as working class.

"Working at McDonald's didn't define my working-class status," she explained. "It was simply a reflection of my already established working-class background…

"There were times when I felt hungry and alone. I had a roof over my head, yet from an early age, I was responsible for managing everything on my own. If that doesn't define working class, then I'm not sure what does."

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She thrilled her followers by likening herself to Margaret Thatcher, stating that just as she was unfairly criticized for her views on "excessive" maternity pay recently, Thatcher was also misunderstood regarding her notorious "no such thing as society" comment.

She wasn't completely persuasive, yet she managed to pull it off.

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She effectively resisted pressure from her competitors to expedite the leadership race, ensuring the new leader would be prepared to address Rachel Reeves' Budget scheduled for October 30.

She argued that such an action would undermine the Conservative Party's credibility and suggested that the job should instead be handled by Rishi Sunak, the former chancellor.

When questioned about Boris Johnson, a favorite among Conservative supporters, both contenders for the party leadership spoke favorably about him to win over the audience.

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Mr. Tugendhat commended the ex-prime minister's achievements regarding Ukraine and vaccine initiatives, while Ms. Badenoch expressed her regret upon stepping down from his cabinet.

Addressing Boris Johnson's fervent supporters, she expressed her affection for him, stood by him during the scandal involving his wallpaper expenses, and believed he was unjustly targeted in the Partygate affair.

He likely followed the serialized version of his memoirs in the newspaper!

Overall, Ms. Badenoch delivered a laid-back and cheerful performance, a departure from her usual spirited and confrontational style, occasionally breaking into giggles. She concluded with a firm declaration: "We have got to save the British pub."

As the affluent young man and the girl from a humble background pressed on with their advocacy efforts, the Conservative supporters in the hall made their way to the local bar.

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