Kemi Badenoch has cemented her image. Now she wants to put her party back on the big stage
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch is preparing for the 2026 party conference as she attempts to rebuild the party's public image and trust. While her personal standing has improved, the party continues to struggle with the legacy of past political chaos.
Why it matters
As the leader of the UK's primary opposition party, Badenoch's ability to redefine the Conservative brand is critical to the future of British political competition.
Kemi Badenoch has cemented her image. Now she wants to put her party back on the big stage
Image source, Getty By Laura Kuenssberg Sunday with Laura Keunssberg The 2026 Conservative conference is big enough to justify using Birmingham's Symphony Hall as its main stage again.
So, Kemi Badenoch will tread the same stage ageing rockers Marillion took last month - and where sequinned soprano Katherine Jenkins will perform next week. She'll also avoid the humiliation of a national party leader being squashed into a side room at a corporate conference centre (with drapes portioning off the empty space). Simply, the party is able to put bums on seats again - and by that measure, things are looking up.
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