4 reasons for Kemi Badenoch to be cheerful - and 3 looming headaches
Kemi Badenoch is entering the Conservative Party conference with improved personal polling and a lack of internal rivals. Despite these gains, the party faces a difficult path to recovery following its historic defeat in the 2024 general election.
Why it matters
The political trajectory of the UK's Conservative Party is a key indicator of the future of British center-right politics.
Britain’s Tories gather in Birmingham stronger than they’ve been in years — but face a long road from here to winning.
Copy Link Copied Share via email Share on X Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Kemi Badenoch speaks to the media after visiting the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum in London on Sept. 11, 2026. | Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images October 5, 2026 4:00 am CET By Noah Keate BIRMINGHAM, England — Britain’s Conservatives don’t get many opportunities to feel upbeat these days — but Kemi Badenoch is heading into party conference with a modest spring in her step.
The Tory leader — who in 2024 took over an outfit near-obliterated by its worst general election result in history — can point to disarray in her chief rival’s ranks, decent personal ratings and some clear dividing lines with Labour as just a few reasons to be cheerful.
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