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

Tory leadership: Pointing fingers at 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 merely attacking the opposition to secure victory in the forthcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

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

During the initiation of her campaign for 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 condition of the UK's finances," she will continue to argue that this approach will not secure her party's victory in the upcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will state, 'If the Conservatives aspire to regain the trust of the British public, we must do more than merely highlight Labour's shortcomings, enjoyable though that may be.'"

"We must move beyond 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 new direction.

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

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In July, the Conservative Party experienced its most severe general election loss in history, resulting in the Labour Party forming a government for the first time in over a decade.

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There is a division among conservatives regarding the future path of their party. Some members advocate for a move back towards moderate policies, while others suggest leaning further right to counter the rising influence of 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, as Parliament reconvenes following its summer break, Mr. Cleverly is slated to deliver a speech emphasizing the need for his party to "embrace and embody true Conservative principles" and advocate for reducing the size of government.

He will assert that the Conservatives "need to consolidate our efforts" to offer solutions for "a tumultuous global landscape, international migration, and a growing distrust in capitalism."

"He will emphasize the importance of the government maintaining transparency and practicality regarding its functions. It should concentrate on excelling in limited areas rather than attempting to manage all poorly," he will state.

"We acknowledge 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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Explore further: Tugendhat proposes using the navy to combat unlawful migration as was done with slavery. Jenrick expresses approval of including Johnson in his shadow cabinet.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for a society that prioritizes family involvement before turning to government assistance in times of difficulty.

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Candidates are garnering endorsements from their parliamentary colleagues as they prepare for Wednesday's initial vote, which will narrow the pool of contenders down to four.

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

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

The broader base of party members will cast their votes, with the results being declared on November 2.

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

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