Kemi Badenoch Joins Tory Leadership Fray Amidst Party Turmoil; Suella Braverman Opts Out

Kemi Badenoch has thrown her hat into the ring for the Conservative Party leadership, aiming to succeed Rishi Sunak. She marks the sixth candidate to enter the contest, following Suella Braverman's decision to abstain from running.

Journalistic correspondent

Monday, July 29, 2024 12:44

Kemi Badenoch has joined the contest for Conservative Party leadership, succeeding Rishi Sunak, with a commitment to honesty with voters.

The former business and trade secretary, now serving as the shadow housing secretary, has become the sixth individual to enter the race.

She has entered the contest alongside James Cleverly, Tom Tugendhat, Robert Jenrick, and Mel Stride, who announced their candidacies last week, as well as Priti Patel, who initiated her campaign over the weekend.

Suella Braverman was anticipated to join the race but decided against it, even though she secured the support of the required 10 MPs before the Monday 2:30 PM deadline.

In a piece for The Telegraph, the ex-home secretary attributed her party's poor performance in the elections to issues with immigration, taxation, and "transgender ideology." She expressed that there was "no point" in seeking leadership of the Tories as the majority of the MPs were not in agreement with her analysis and recommendations.

"I've been labeled as crazy, harmful, and risky enough to realize that the Conservative Party isn't interested in listening to this. Therefore, I'll take my leave at this point."

Analysis: Should Badenoch rise to Tory leadership, anticipate a rough journey without the niceties or courtesies.

Further Details on Conservative Party Developments

Suella Braverman Opts Out of Conservative Leadership Contest

The competition for the Tory leadership will involve both elements of challenge and analysis.

Priti Patel joins the Conservative leadership contest, emphasizing the importance of unity over personal conflicts.

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Ms. Badenoch declared her intention to run and her commitment to integrity in an article for The Times, stating, "Should I be granted the opportunity to serve, we will once again embrace truthfulness."

"Today marks the launch of my campaign, and we are setting our sights firmly on rejuvenating our party for the year 2030. This pivotal year will not only potentially see us return to power, but it also kicks off a fresh decade."

We will begin anew by returning to the basics: managing immigration effectively requires reaffirming our commitment to the concept of a nation state and its primary responsibility to prioritize the well-being of its citizens.

Our public systems won't truly bounce back from the pandemic's impacts unless we recognize that the government's role is to excel in certain areas, not to perform poorly across the board.

"The cornerstone of our rejuvenation, along with the reunification of the Conservative party, rests on a firm belief in a set of economic principles that dictate how our economy operates and who it benefits."

"The prosperity of our country stems from our long-standing capacity to harness the creativity and hard work of our citizens, alongside their readiness to exchange uncertainty for potential gains. Although it has gained a negative connotation, revitalizing our nation should also involve revitalizing capitalism."

Read more: The battle for Conservative leadership includes both competition and analysis as Priti Patel joins the race

Ms. Badenoch, known for her forceful and effective debating skills, previously managed the women and equalities portfolio in government. She has been vocal about matters concerning women's rights and racism.

She became the initial cabinet member to label Frank Hester's remarks about Diane Abbott as racist. However, she expressed that his apology ought to be acknowledged, and the Conservative Party should continue to receive donations from the businessman.

Ms. Badenoch rose to prominence during the initial 2022 Conservative leadership race, finishing in fourth place after Liz Truss, Mr. Sunak, and Penny Mordaunt.

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She received significant support during the campaign, notably from prominent cabinet member and then-MP Michael Gove.

Following the Conservative Party's defeat in the July election, when Mr. Sunak inquired whether cabinet members wished to retain their previous roles while in opposition, she offered to take over Mr. Gove's responsibilities and to serve as the shadow to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.

During a fiery address in the Commons discussion on the King's speech 10 days ago, Ms. Badenoch fiercely criticized Ms. Rayner, giving a preview of the potential dynamics if she ascends to the leadership of the Tory party.

In her inaugural appearance at the government's dispatch box, after greeting the deputy premier, she remarked, "It's all downhill from here."

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She went on to say: "They've set her up! She's been made the scapegoat.

It's widely recognized that the legislation and strategies mentioned in the King's Speech were crafted not by her personally, but by the chancellor and her team of advisors. This is common knowledge!

"Last week, Rachel Reeves provided a more detailed announcement in her speech. Regrettably, I must inform her that her colleagues have crafted a manifesto and made commitments that cannot be fulfilled. They've placed the responsibility on her shoulders, telling her, 'Angie, go out there and promote it!'"

During the same shadow cabinet meeting, it also came to light that Ms. Badenoch had expressed criticism towards Mr. Sunak, and these remarks, which were subsequently leaked, additionally targeted her possible competitor for leadership, Ms. Braverman, for their conduct throughout the election campaign.

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