Kemi Badenoch used her first conference speech as Conservative leader to launch a sweeping policy blitz aimed at reviving her party’s struggling fortunes. The move reflects a bold effort to reclaim attention, restore voter confidence, and reassert Conservative values after months of political decline.
The Conservatives, long known as one of the most successful electoral forces in the democratic world, now face record-low support. Badenoch’s leadership has been under pressure amid plummeting poll numbers and deep internal uncertainty. Yet her confident and relaxed performance in Manchester signaled a turning point.
The 45-minute address served as both a personal and political statement. With her policy blitz, Badenoch sought to define her brand of Conservatism — disciplined with public finances, bold on reform, and unapologetically direct in style. She appeared comfortable on stage, even as expectations weighed heavily on her first closing speech as leader.
Party strategists see an opportunity to present the Conservatives as responsible economic managers. Despite lingering memories of the Liz Truss turmoil, polling suggests voters still associate the party with fiscal discipline. Badenoch’s team wants to strengthen that perception as a key contrast to Labour and Reform UK.
Conference attendance was lower than in past years, but those present were energized. Many activists described the mood as combative rather than defeated. One local party chair called Badenoch’s policy blitz “something we can finally talk about with voters,” praising the clarity of her message.
Badenoch has been cautious about revealing new ideas, insisting that policy should follow careful thought, not headlines. Her distinction between meaningful reform and flashy announcements has shaped her leadership style.
Still, the wait for new ideas had left the party quiet — until now. The surprise centrepiece of her address was the pledge to abolish stamp duty on main homes in England and Northern Ireland. The move, kept secret until the speech, underscored her push for practical solutions that appeal to working families.
Party insiders see stamp duty as a tax that discourages mobility and punishes aspiration. Scrapping it fits neatly within Badenoch’s broader economic vision. Yet even as members welcomed the announcement, some questioned whether it would be enough to regain public attention.
The policy blitz has energized supporters and given critics pause. But in a crowded political landscape, Badenoch’s challenge remains clear: to turn bold words into lasting momentum. Her ability to sustain this newfound energy may determine whether her leadership endures.
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