Conservatives rally behind Badenoch, but some MPs push for economic focus over culture wars
At their party conference, UK Conservatives showed rare unity around leader Kemi Badenoch, though some MPs argue the party must prioritise economic messaging over culture-war issues to win back voters.
Unity born partly from a shared grievance
At this weekend's Conservative party conference, leader Kemi Badenoch faced a lighthearted question asking her to choose between former leadership rivals Robert Jenrick and Suella Braverman. She compared the choice to picking between being shot or drowned, a response typical of her blunt style.
Much of the current party unity stems from a shared dislike of Conservative defectors. A year ago, many expected Jenrick to challenge Badenoch for the leadership; instead, he was expelled from the party weeks after the previous conference. Several shadow cabinet members have since admitted relief at his departure, with some describing it in unflattering terms.
Other factors behind the party's cohesion include Badenoch's standing as leader, public appetite for political stability, and the continuing threat from Reform UK on the right. Badenoch has now led the party for almost two years, making her the longest-serving Conservative leader since Boris Johnson, and she used the conference to release a 30,000-word pamphlet outlining her political principles, titled The Right Way.
Calls to focus on the economy
Despite the unity, some party figures warn Badenoch needs to appeal more to centrist voters by emphasising economic policy rather than culture-war rhetoric. She reportedly believes she can move past the legacy of Liz Truss's premiership and outperform both Labour and Reform UK on economic issues, aided by shadow chancellor Andrew Griffith's business background.
Although Badenoch personally polls ahead of her party, the Conservatives overall remain behind the levels seen during their 2024 election defeat. Concerns about a possible snap election have also resurfaced after Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham held a political gathering at Chequers, even though the prime minister has ruled out an early vote. Badenoch has told MPs the party is preparing regardless, though some of her closest aides have privately expressed concern about the party's chances if an election were actually called.
