Kemi Badenoch Advocates for Tory Renewal Over Labour Critiques in Leadership Bid Launch

In her upcoming speech to kick off her leadership campaign, Kemi Badenoch will criticize the Labour Party, yet she plans to emphasize that her party should concentrate on rejuvenation instead of just attacking the opposition to secure victory in the forthcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024 12:27

Kemi Badenoch is set to declare that the Tories cannot regain the British public's trust merely by highlighting Labour's flaws.

During the unveiling of her campaign for Conservative leadership on Monday, the former Business Secretary is set to criticize the current administration for not providing an improved alternative.

Yet, even as she enumerates various grievances such as "deceiving the British public about the UK's financial situation," she will assert that these actions will not secure her party a victory in the forthcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will state that if the Conservatives hope to regain the trust of the British public, they must do more than merely highlight Labour's shortcomings, entertaining though that may be."

"We need to move beyond the repetitive policy debates of the previous legislature. We were defeated. We do not hold authority.

Labour will be unsuccessful; and when that moment arrives, and the British populace seeks a new direction, we must be that new direction.

"We must concentrate on rejuvenation. This includes the rejuvenation of our party, our political approach, and our mindset."

In the Conservative Party leadership contest, Kemi Badenoch criticizes the party for espousing right-wing rhetoric while implementing left-leaning policies, while James Cleverly promises to revive the Rwanda plan.

Keir Starmer's overhaul of education policy

The regulatory body overseeing the Civil Service has initiated an investigation into the recruitment practices of Labour positions following allegations of favoritism.

Associated Subjects:

In July, the Conservative Party faced its most significant general election loss ever, marking the return of the Labour Party to power after 14 years.

For an enhanced video experience, it is recommended to use the Chrome browser.

Within the Conservative Party, opinions are divided regarding the future path it should take. Some members advocate for a move back towards more moderate, central policies, while others suggest veering further right to counteract the rising influence of Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, considered a leading candidate among conservatives, is competing with five others for the position vacated by Rishi Sunak: Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, and Mel Stride.

On Monday, as parliament reconvenes after the summer break, Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech in which he will emphasize that his party needs to "embrace traditional Conservative principles" once more, advocating for a reduction in government size.

He will declare that the Conservatives "need to unite and prepare" to offer solutions for "a turbulent global landscape, worldwide migration, and a growing distrust in capitalism."

"This entails a sincere and pragmatic understanding of the government’s function. It's about recognizing the tasks the government should and can undertake, and those it should not and cannot. The government needs to concentrate on excelling in a few areas, rather than performing poorly in many," he will say.

"We acknowledge that it is the fundamental responsibility of the government to safeguard its citizens and its territorial boundaries. However, it is crucial for Conservatives to be transparent about the compromises involved in executing these duties effectively."

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

Explore further: Tugendhat proposes combating unlawful migration with naval forces as was done with slavery. Jenrick expresses contentment at the prospect of Johnson joining his shadow cabinet.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for prioritizing a "family-first society" over turning to the government as the initial solution for issues.

👉 Click here to subscribe to the Sky News Daily podcast for a daily 20-minute rundown of the major stories. 👈

The contenders are actively garnering backing from their parliamentary colleagues before the initial vote on Wednesday, which will narrow down the number of participants to four.

In the lead-up to the vote, notable addresses have been delivered by Mr. Tugendhat, Ms. Patel, and Mr. Jenrick over the past few days.

Stay informed about the most recent developments in the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

At the party conference scheduled for the end of the month, a husting will take place where MPs will cast their votes to reduce the list of contenders to two finalists.

The broader base of the party members will cast their votes, and the victor will be declared on November 2.

Tune into The Politics Hub on Sky News tonight at 7pm.

Associated Subjects

Footer of Sky News

Information About Sky News

Services Provided by Sky News

Sky Networks

Additional Sky Websites