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

Tory leadership: Pointing out Labour's flaws won't restore trust, asserts Badenoch

In her speech initiating her leadership campaign, Kemi Badenoch will criticize Labour but emphasize that her party must concentrate on rejuvenation instead of merely attacking the opposition to secure victory in the upcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

Kemi Badenoch is set to assert that the Conservative Party cannot regain the trust of the British public merely by highlighting the shortcomings of the Labour Party.

At the outset of her campaign for Conservative leadership on Monday, the ex-Business Secretary is set to criticize the current administration for its inability to provide "something better."

Yet, even as she catalogs various complaints such as "deceiving the British public about the condition of the UK's finances," she will assert that this approach won't secure her party a victory in the upcoming election.

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

"We need to move beyond the policy debates of the previous legislature. We were defeated; we're not in charge."

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

"We need to concentrate on rejuvenation. This encompasses the revitalization of our party, our political approach, and our mindset."

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In July, the Conservative Party faced its most severe general election loss, paving the way for a Labour government to take office, marking its first return to power in over a decade and a half.

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There is a division among conservatives regarding the future path of their party; some advocate for a move back towards moderation, while others support veering further right to counter the challenge posed by Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, widely considered a leading candidate among conservatives, is contending with five other challengers to succeed Rishi Sunak: Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tughendhat, and Mel Stride.

Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech on Monday, coinciding with parliament's return from the summer break, where he will emphasize the need for his party to "embrace traditional Conservative values" and make a case for reducing the size of government.

He will state that the Conservatives "need to unify and organize" to offer answers to "a turbulent global environment, worldwide migration, and a growing distrust in capitalism."

"He will emphasize the importance of the state being transparent and pragmatic regarding its functions. He will discuss the boundaries of its capabilities, highlighting that it should concentrate on excelling in limited areas rather than inadequately managing a broader scope," he will say.

"We acknowledge that safeguarding its citizens and borders is a fundamental responsibility of the government. However, Conservatives need to be candid about the compromises involved in executing these duties effectively."

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Discover more: Tugendhat proposes combating unlawful migration using naval forces, similar to historical anti-slavery efforts. Jenrick expresses enthusiasm at the prospect of including Johnson in his shadow cabinet team.

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

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

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

Stay updated on the most recent developments both in the UK and internationally by tuning into Sky News.

At the party conference scheduled for the end of the month, a hustings event will take place where MPs will cast another vote to reduce the number of candidates to two.

Subsequently, the broader party base will cast their votes, with the victor being declared on November 2.

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

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