Conservative leader Badenoch seeks relevance amid Reform challenge

Summarised from 4 outlets · 5 reports · Updated 3 Oct, 10:54 · Archive

Kemi Badenoch is attempting to revitalise the Conservative party as it searches for a coherent policy platform amid competition from Reform UK.

Kemi Badenoch is attempting to revitalise the Conservative party ahead of its conference this Sunday. The party, currently the official opposition in parliament, faces competition from Reform UK, which has overtaken it in opinion polls and attracted MPs from Conservative benches. Nigel Farage's party has, however, faced scrutiny regarding its finances.

Badenoch has begun to raise her public profile and outline policies, including a proposal for a 'subsistence allowance' for the unemployed. However, The Guardian editorial argues she has yet to present a coherent alternative programme for government, instead focusing on criticism of Labour and Reform UK. Michael Crick, writing in the i Paper, suggests that whilst Badenoch is turning the party around, the recovery may not be fast enough to overcome Reform's current advantage.

How it is being reported

• Kemi Badenoch has cemented her image. Now she wants to put her party back on the big stageBBC News · 3 Oct, 11:27
• Kemi Badenoch is stronger than ever but faces fight of her life to be Prime MinisterDaily Express · 3 Oct, 10:47
• What Badenoch must do to actually win the next electionThe i Paper · 3 Oct, 10:46
• I’m not buying into the ‘Keminaissance’. If the Tories lowered the bar any further, they’d be Reform UK | Frances RyanThe Guardian · 3 Oct, 06:00
• The Guardian view on the Conservative conference: a party still searching for a purpose | EditorialThe Guardian · 2 Oct, 17:51

In this story: Kemi Badenoch · Nigel Farage · Conservative party · Reform UK · Labour

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