I'm a classic old school Conservative, says Kemi Badenoch
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has launched her party's annual conference by positioning herself as a 'classic old school Conservative' focused on common sense and economic growth. She criticized the previous government's failure to define its principles and outlined a platform centered on tax cuts and reduced state intervention.
Why it matters
This marks a strategic pivot for the UK Conservative Party as it attempts to recover from a major electoral defeat and differentiate itself from political rivals.
Image source, PA Media By Brian Wheeler Political reporter Published 6 minutes ago Kemi Badenoch has declared herself a "classic old school Conservative" as she begins her party's annual conference with a string of policy pledges and a 100 page statement on her guiding principles. , external
"I believe in common sense, people working hard and being rewarded for that effort," she told the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg.
She added that welfare should be a "safety net, not a lifestyle".
The Tory leader is trying to ensure her party stands out in a crowded political field. The Conservatives are trailing Labour and Reform UK in the opinion polls and have yet to recover from their historic defeat at the 2024 general election.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in