Kemi Badenoch Calls for Conservative Renewal Over Criticism in Leadership Bid Launch

In her speech announcing her candidacy for Tory leader, Kemi Badenoch will criticize the Labour Party, but emphasize that her party should concentrate on rejuvenation and not merely attack the opposition if they hope to succeed in the forthcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, at 12

Kemi Badenoch will assert that the Conservatives cannot regain the trust of the British public merely by "highlighting Labour's shortcomings."

At her campaign kickoff for the Conservative leadership on Monday, the ex-Business Secretary will criticize the current administration for not providing a superior alternative.

Yet, even as she enumerates several critiques, such as "deceiving the British public about the true condition of the UK's financial situation," she will continue to assert that these actions will not secure her party's victory in the upcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will state, 'If the Conservatives aim to regain the trust of the British public, we cannot merely linger on criticizing Labour, despite the enjoyment it brings.'"

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

"Labour is destined to falter; and at that juncture, when the British populace seeks a new direction, we must embody that transformation.

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

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In what marked their most significant electoral loss to date, the Conservative Party was overwhelmingly defeated in the July general elections, paving the way for the Labour Party to assume control after 14 years in the opposition.

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There is a divide within the Conservative Party regarding its future path, with some members advocating for a move back to more moderate positions, while others suggest veering further right to address the challenge posed by Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, widely regarded as the preferred candidate among conservatives, is competing against five other contenders to succeed Rishi Sunak. These include Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, and Mel Stride.

On Monday, as parliament reconvenes following the summer break, Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech in which he will emphasize the need for his party to "return to traditional Conservative principles" and advocate for reducing the size of the government.

He will assert that the Conservatives "need to unify and organize" to offer solutions for "a tumultuous global landscape, worldwide migration, and a growing distrust in capitalism."

"This entails a candid and pragmatic perspective on the state's function, recognizing both its capabilities and limitations. The state should concentrate on excelling in a limited number of areas rather than performing poorly in many," he will further state.

"It is acknowledged that safeguarding its citizens and boundaries is a fundamental responsibility of the government. However, it is essential for Conservatives to acknowledge the compromises involved in effectively fulfilling these duties."

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Further information: Tugendhat suggests combating unlawful migration with naval forces, similar to the historical approach against slavery. Jenrick expresses readiness to include Johnson in his shadow cabinet.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for a society that prioritizes family support over turning to the government as the initial solution for issues.

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The contenders are garnering backing from other Members of Parliament before the initial vote on Wednesday, which will narrow the group down to four candidates.

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

Stay informed on the most recent updates from the UK and globally by tuning into Sky News.

A debate is scheduled to take place at the party convention at the month's end, where MPs will cast their votes once more to reduce the number of contenders to two.

The broader base of 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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