A Year of Kemi Badenoch’s Leadership of the Tory Party
Last weekend marked one year since Kemi Badenoch took over as leader of the Tory party. Typically, such an anniversary would be a moment for celebration, especially after the party’s collapse in the previous general election, which suggested there was only room to improve.
Yet, instead of rising, Badenoch has seemingly directed the party deeper into turmoil, where even occasional hope feels short-lived. This is quite a remarkable outcome.
Leadership Amidst Party Turmoil
Badenoch became leader following a prolonged Tory leadership contest. Rather than engaging with the public, candidates focused on appealing to the party membership, which itself remains divided and conflicted.
Policy and Party Rebuilding
Since then, Badenoch has launched a new policy agenda that feels strikingly similar to the Tory platforms the party once pushed. She claims to be “rebuilding” the Conservative party, but the foundation appears unstable.
Opposition Role and Government Weakness
Despite these challenges, the Tories have occasionally managed to challenge the government effectively as the official Opposition. Issues like winter fuel payments, the family farms tax, and welfare cut missteps have provided ammunition.
“It was asking to be clobbered,” referring to the government’s weak stance in parliamentary debates under Sir Keir Starmer.
This success is less about Badenoch’s leadership and more due to the current government’s missteps and vulnerabilities.
Summary
Kemi Badenoch’s first year leading the Tories has been marked more by internal division and repeated mistakes than recovery, with the party struggling to find clear direction as the unofficial opposition grows stronger.