Kemi Badenoch insists there is a real buzz at the Conservative party conference. The party leader defended the event’s energy levels. She spoke to reporters in Manchester this week. Furthermore, she directly addressed criticisms about visible empty seats. Some observers noted sparse attendance for shadow cabinet speeches. Badenoch, however, firmly rejected this narrative.
She contrasted the main hall with other events. Her own speech was completely full she said. It was standing room only for her address. Meanwhile, she pointed to immense interest elsewhere. Popular fringe events had long queues she noted. Therefore, the real energy was outside the main auditorium. The party conference was buzzing in these spaces.
Additionally, Badenoch offered a political explanation. She said the party is no longer in government. Consequently, many lobbyists have now left. They have gone to the Labour party conference instead. She framed this change as a positive shift. The Conservative party conference now belongs to members. She said the event is teeming with dedicated activists.
This is her first leadership party conference. She became leader after a heavy election defeat. The party’s poll ratings remain low. Despite this, she projected strong optimism. She acknowledged the tough defeat last year. But she promised the party would recover. She famously said sunlit uplands are ahead.
She also highlighted new policy announcements. Members are thrilled with these pledges she stated. These include plans to leave the ECHR. Another promise is to repeal the Climate Change Act. A pledge to cut public spending also energizes the base. These policies define the current party conference.
Badenoch shared a colorful anecdote too. She was with young Conservatives recently. They were singing Sweet Caroline in a bar. This showed a lively and united atmosphere. Everyone feels the buzz she repeated. They can see everything is coming together. The party conference has a feeling of ownership. She expressed real pride in this member-led spirit.
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