Kemi Badenoch Calls for Conservative Renewal, Criticizes Labour in Leadership Campaign Launch

In her upcoming speech to kick off her campaign for the Tory leadership, Kemi Badenoch will criticize the Labour Party, yet she will emphasize that her party must concentrate on "renewal" and not merely on attacking the opposition to secure victory in the forthcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

Kemi Badenoch will assert that the Tories cannot regain the trust of the British public merely by highlighting Labour's failures.

At her campaign kickoff for the Conservative leadership on Monday, the ex-Business Secretary will criticize the current administration for not presenting improved solutions.

Yet, even as she enumerates several complaints, such as accusing someone of deceiving the British public about the UK's financial condition, she will assert that these tactics will not secure her party a victory in the upcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will state that if the Conservatives aim to regain the trust of the British public, they cannot merely linger on criticizing Labour, no matter how enjoyable that may be."

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

Labour will be unsuccessful, and when that moment arrives, with the British public seeking a new direction, we must be that alternative.

"It's essential that we concentrate on rejuvenation—the rejuvenation of our political party, our political approach, and our mindset."

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In July, the Conservative Party experienced its most severe general election loss to date, paving the way for the Labour Party to assume control for the first time in over a decade.

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The conservative party is divided over its future path, with one faction advocating for a move back toward moderate policies, while another group supports veering further right to counter the rising influence of Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, considered a frontrunner among conservatives, is competing against five other candidates to succeed Rishi Sunak: Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, and Mel Stride.

On Monday, coinciding with parliament's reconvening after the summer break, Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech. In it, he will emphasize the need for his party to "embrace and embody traditional Conservative principles" and make a case for reducing the size of government.

He will declare that the Conservatives "need to unite and prepare" to address issues like "a turbulent global environment, international migration, and a growing skepticism towards capitalism."

"This entails acknowledging the true function of the government, recognizing both its capabilities and limitations. The government should concentrate on excelling in fewer responsibilities rather than inadequately handling numerous tasks," he will further state.

"It is acknowledged that the primary responsibility of the government is to safeguard its citizens and its territorial integrity. However, it's crucial for Conservatives to be forthright about the compromises involved in executing these duties effectively."

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Learn more: Tugendhat suggests combating unlawful immigration the way slavery was tackled – using naval forces. Jenrick expresses he would be 'happy' to include Johnson in his shadow cabinet.

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

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The contenders are rallying for backing from their parliamentary colleagues before the initial vote this Wednesday, which will narrow down the list of candidates to four.

In the days leading up to the vote, notable addresses were delivered by Mr. Tugendhat, Ms. Patel, and Mr. Jenrick.

Stay informed about the newest updates from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

A debate is scheduled to take place at the party conference at month's end, where MPs will cast another vote to reduce the number of candidates to two.

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.

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