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

Tory leadership: Merely highlighting Labour's flaws won't restore trust, Badenoch claims

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

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024 at 12:

Kemi Badenoch will declare that the Conservative Party cannot regain the confidence of the British public merely by highlighting Labour's shortcomings.

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

Yet, even as she enumerates various criticisms, such as "deceiving the British public about the condition of the UK's finances," she will continue to assert that these actions will not lead her party to victory in the upcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will state that if the Conservatives wish to regain the trust of the British public, they cannot merely linger on criticizing Labour, enjoyable though it may be."

"It's time to move beyond the policy debates of the previous legislature. We were defeated. We do not hold authority."

Labour will falter; and at that moment, when the British public seeks a new direction, it is our responsibility to be that alternative.

"We must concentrate on rejuvenation. The rejuvenation of our party, our political approach, and our mindset."

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In July, the Conservative Party experienced their most significant general election loss to date, paving the way for a Labour government to take office for the first time in over a decade.

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There is a division within the Conservative Party regarding its future course. Some members advocate for a move back towards centrism, while others support veering further right to counter the rise of Reform UK.

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

On Monday, coinciding with parliament's reconvening after the summer break, Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech. In it, he plans to urge his party to "return to true Conservative principles" and will make a case for reducing the size of government.

He will declare that the Conservatives need to "unify and take action" to address issues like "a turbulent international landscape, worldwide migration, and a growing distrust in the capitalist system."

"This implies a candid and practical understanding of the government's function, recognizing its capabilities and limitations. The government should concentrate on excelling in a limited number of areas rather than performing poorly in many," he will state.

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

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Further details: Tugendhat proposes using the navy to combat unlawful immigration, drawing parallels to historical anti-slavery efforts. Jenrick expresses enthusiasm about potentially including Johnson in his shadow cabinet.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for prioritizing family support over turning to government assistance at the first sign of trouble.

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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 informed on the latest updates from the UK and across the globe by tuning into Sky News.

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

Subsequently, the broader base of party members 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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