Kemi Badenoch Calls for Tory Renewal Amid Leadership Bid, Criticizes Labour but Stresses Positive Change Over Opposition Blame

Tory leadership: Criticizing Labour won't restore trust, asserts Badenoch

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

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

Kemi Badenoch is set to declare that the Conservatives cannot regain the confidence of the British public merely by criticizing the Labour Party's flaws.

During her campaign kickoff for the Conservative leadership on Monday, the former Business Secretary will criticize the current administration for not providing "something better."

Yet, after enumerating several critiques, such as "deceiving the British public regarding the condition of the UK's financial situation," she will continue to assert that this approach will not secure her party's victory in the forthcoming election.

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

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

Labour will not succeed; and when that moment arrives, and the British public seeks a new direction, we must be that alternative.

"We must concentrate on rejuvenation—rejuvenating our party, our political approach, and our mindset."

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In July, the Conservative Party faced its most significant general election loss in history, paving the way for a Labour government to assume office after 14 years.

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There is division among conservatives regarding the future path of their party, with some members advocating for a move back to more moderate positions, while others support veering further right to counteract the influence of Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, considered a frontrunner among conservatives, is competing with 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 return from its summer break, Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech. In it, he will assert that his party needs to "return to traditional Conservative principles" and advocate for reducing the size of government.

He will declare that the Conservatives need to "unify and prepare" to address issues such as "a turbulent global environment, international migration, and a dwindling faith in capitalism."

"This involves being truthful and pragmatic regarding the state's function. It's about recognizing what the state is and isn't capable of managing effectively. The state ought to concentrate on excelling in a limited number of tasks 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, Conservatives need to be transparent about the compromises involved in executing these duties effectively."

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Further details: Tugendhat suggests combating unlawful migration with naval forces, similar to anti-slavery efforts. Jenrick expresses readiness to include 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 their parliamentary colleagues for backing before Wednesday's initial vote, which will narrow the group of competitors down to four.

In recent days, significant speeches were delivered by Mr. Tugendhat, Ms. Patel, and Mr. Jenrick as they ramped up their campaigns leading to the vote.

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

A debate is scheduled to take place at the party convention later this month, where MPs will cast another vote to reduce the number of contenders to two.

Subsequently, the broader party membership 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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