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

Tory leadership: Badenoch insists regaining trust isn't about attacking Labour

In her upcoming speech to kick off her bid for leadership, Kemi Badenoch will critique Labour but emphasize that her party must concentrate on rejuvenation, not just opposition criticism, to succeed in the forthcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Early hours of Monday, September 2, 2024,

Kemi Badenoch will assert that the Conservatives cannot regain the British public's trust 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 accusing [someone] of deceiving the British public about the UK's financial situation, she will assert that these criticisms alone 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, enjoyable though that may be.'"

"It's time to move beyond the policy debates of the previous legislature. We were defeated. We don't hold office.

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

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

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

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There is a division among conservatives regarding the future path of their party; some advocate for a move back to more moderate positions, while others suggest leaning further right to counter the challenge posed by Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, widely regarded as the preferred candidate among conservatives, is competing with five others to succeed Rishi Sunak: Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Dame Priti Patel, Tom Tugendhat, and Mel Stride.

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

He will state that the Conservatives "need to unite and organize" to offer solutions to "a tumultuous 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 what the state ought to and is able to accomplish, as well as what it should avoid and is incapable of doing. His argument will center on the state excelling in a limited range of activities rather than performing poorly across a broad spectrum," he will further state.

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

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Discover more: Tugendhat proposes combating unlawful migration using naval forces, similar to anti-slavery operations. Jenrick expresses enthusiasm for including Johnson in his shadow cabinet team.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for a society that prioritizes family support over turning to government assistance at the first sign of trouble.

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The contenders are rallying 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 informed with the most recent updates from the UK and international news by tuning into Sky News.

A debate is scheduled to take place at the party conference later this month, at which point MPs will cast another vote to reduce the number of candidates 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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