Kemi Badenoch Calls for Tory Renewal, Rejects Mere Labour Criticism in Leadership Bid Speech

In her address to kick off her leadership campaign, Kemi Badenoch will criticize the Labour Party, yet she will assert that her party must concentrate on rejuvenation instead of merely attacking the opposition to secure victory in the upcoming election.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Monday, September 2, 2024 12:27

Kemi Badenoch will assert that the Conservative Party cannot regain the trust of the British public merely by emphasizing Labour's shortcomings.

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

Yet, even as she enumerates various complaints, such as "deceiving the British public regarding the UK's financial condition," she will assert that these actions will not secure her party's victory in the upcoming election.

"Ms. Badenoch will state that if the Conservatives aim to regain the trust of the British public, they must do more than simply highlight Labour's failures, entertaining though that may be."

"We need to move beyond the recurring policy debates of the previous legislative session. We were defeated and currently hold no authority.

Labour is destined to falter; and at that moment, when the British public seeks a new direction, we must embody that change.

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

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In July, the Conservative Party experienced its most significant general election loss ever, leading to the Labour Party taking control for the first time in nearly a decade and a half.

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There is a division within the Conservative Party regarding its future path, as some members advocate for a move back towards moderation, while others push for a more rightward shift to counter the rise of Reform UK.

Ms. Badenoch, widely viewed 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.

Mr. Cleverly is set to deliver a speech on Monday, coinciding with parliament's return from its summer break, during which he will emphasize that his party needs to "think and act like Conservatives again" and advocate for reducing the size of government.

He will emphasize that the Conservatives need to "organize ourselves" to offer solutions to "a shaky global situation, worldwide migration, and a growing distrust in the capitalist system."

"This involves a candid and practical understanding of the government’s function—recognizing both its capabilities and limitations. The government should concentrate on excelling in a limited number of roles rather than inadequately attempting to manage all," he will further state.

"We acknowledge the fundamental responsibility of the government to safeguard its citizens and its frontiers. However, Conservatives need to be candid regarding the compromises involved in executing these duties effectively."

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Discover further: Tugendhat suggests combating unlawful migration with naval forces as was done with slavery. Jenrick expresses enthusiasm about including Johnson in his shadow cabinet.

Mr. Cleverly will advocate for prioritizing family support over turning to government assistance as the initial solution when challenges occur.

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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 candidates to four.

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

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

A debate is scheduled to take place at the party's conference at the end of this month, at which point MPs will cast their votes once more, this time to reduce the number of contenders to two.

Subsequently, the broader party base 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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