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

Tory leadership: Badenoch asserts regaining trust isn’t about criticizing Labour

In her upcoming speech to kick off her leadership campaign, Kemi Badenoch will criticize Labour, yet she will emphasize that her party must concentrate on "renewal" and not merely oppose the government to triumph in the forthcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024, 12:

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

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

However, despite enumerating several critiques, such as attempting to deceive the British public regarding the UK's financial situation, she will continue to state that this approach will not secure her party a victory in the forthcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will emphasize the need for action, stating, 'If the Conservatives aim to regain the trust of the British public, we must do more than simply criticize Labour, no matter how enjoyable that may be.'"

"We need to 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.

"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 severe general election loss in history, leading to the Labour Party taking control of the government after 14 years.

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There is a division within the Conservative Party regarding its future path. Some members advocate for a move back towards more moderate, centrist policies, while others believe a move further to the right is necessary to counter the rise of Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, highly regarded among conservatives, is contending 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 resumption after the summer break, Mr. Cleverly will deliver a speech urging his party to "embrace traditional Conservative values" and to advocate for reducing the size of government.

He will state that the Conservatives "need to unify" to offer solutions for "a turbulent world, worldwide migration, and a growing distrust in capitalism."

"This implies a truthful and pragmatic approach regarding the state's role. It's about recognizing what the state can and should do, as well as what it should not and cannot do. He will further add that the state ought to concentrate on performing a smaller number of tasks exceptionally well, rather than handling everything poorly."

"We acknowledge that the foremost responsibility of the state is to safeguard its citizens and its territorial integrity. However, Conservatives need to be transparent about the compromises involved in executing these duties effectively."

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Discover further: Tugendhat suggests combating unlawful immigration using naval forces, similar to the approach against slavery. Jenrick expresses he would be 'happy' to include Johnson in his shadow cabinet.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for prioritizing family support in societal issues before turning to government assistance.

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The contenders are rallying backing from their parliamentary colleagues before the initial voting session on Wednesday, which will narrow down the group of participants to four.

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

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

During the upcoming party conference at month's end, a husting is scheduled where MPs will cast their votes once more 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 into The Politics Hub on Sky News tonight at 7pm.

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