Tory Leadership Clash: Badenoch Critiques Party Direction as Cleverly Promises Rwanda Policy Revival

In the contest for Conservative party leadership, Kemi Badenoch criticizes the party for not practicing what they preach, claiming they lean liberal in their governance despite conservative rhetoric. Meanwhile, James Cleverly promises to revive the Rwanda policy. This Wednesday, the six hopefuls will be narrowed down to four after a parliamentary vote.

Political journalist @alixculbertson

Monday, September 2, 2024, 4:

The leading contenders for the Conservative Party leadership have presented their strategies to party members and MPs as the selection process narrows down this week.

Kemi Badenoch and James Cleverly kicked off their campaign efforts today, ahead of the initial voting round on Wednesday that will narrow the field from six candidates to four.

Ms. Badenoch criticized the Conservative government of which she was a member, accusing it of "talking right but governing left," and positioned herself as the sole candidate capable of stark honesty.

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Mr. Cleverly emphasized his governmental background, including his roles as home and foreign secretary, as he pledged to reinstate the Rwanda policy and increase defense spending to 3% of GDP.

Ex-business secretary Ms. Badenoch, who is highly favored by bookmakers to succeed Rishi Sunak, stated, "a government that attempts to handle all issues might ultimately accomplish very little."

"She admitted, 'That was a misstep on our part.'"

"Our rhetoric was conservative, yet our policies were decidedly progressive, echoing the principles of the Conservative party while implementing actions more akin

"The government ought to engage in fewer activities, yet excel in those it undertakes."

She stated that Labour's rise to power was due to a loss of faith in the Conservatives and accused them of deceiving the public about the state of the UK's finances.

"She claimed that the British public is seeking improvement, but this Labour government fails to meet their expectations."

"They are already committing bigger blunders than we ever did."

Ms. Badenoch stated that her core values encompass individual accountability, honesty, the importance of family, equal treatment by the law, and the duties of citizenship.

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She added that her background as an engineer taught her how to achieve results and embrace practical realities, in contrast to politicians who often claim that all desires can be fulfilled and make commitments that are unattainable.

She addressed concerns that her focus was solely on cultural conflicts, explaining that her duties as the equalities minister involved handling complex matters such as race and gender.

"I didn't flee the scene. Moreover, I stood up for those in need of assistance, and I pulled Labour into our arena," she stated.

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In his address to MPs and party members, Mr. Cleverly emphasized his background, promising to reinstate the Rwanda plan for unauthorized immigrants—a project previously abolished by Labour—if he is elected as prime minister.

Choosing not to critique the administration he was once a part of, he emphasized that for the Conservative Party to regain its momentum, it must concentrate on serving the public rather than being preoccupied with internal matters.

"He emphasized that the parliamentary party should set a precedent," he stated.

"We need to come together and maintain discipline – and choosing to unite is not the simpler path, it's the more challenging one."

Amidst considerable applause, he declared his intention to allocate 3% of the GDP towards defense spending.

"The former minister stated that scrimping and saving will not lead to peace."

The shadow home secretary finished by stating: "I am confident that our finest days lie ahead, but this can only happen if we remove the ineffective Labour government."

The following individuals are contenders for the leadership of the

A new leader is anticipated to be chosen in November.

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