Badenoch's Remarks Boost Her Standing With Reform Voters

Kemi Badenoch's recent critique of Reform MPs, particularly her comments on the definition of Englishness, appear to have bolstered her standing among Reform voters, according to research. Following her remarks, which challenged the notion that only white individuals can be English, Badenoch's approval rating among Reform UK voters increased from 40% to 57%.

Overall, the Conservative leader's approval rating rose from 37% to 46% after voters were shown clips of her speech at the Conservative Party conference. In her address, Badenoch stated she did not want to live in a country where people debated whether her mixed-race children were English. She asserted, "I am British. I'm proud of my country, I'm proud of our history."

The controversy emerged after Reform leader Nigel Farage reportedly had discussions with Suella Braverman, who had suggested that despite being born and raised in England, she could not be considered English due to her parents' foreign birth.

This stance aligns with a segment of Reform supporters who flirt with an 'ethno-nationalist' viewpoint, arguing that only those with a long lineage of English ancestry can be considered fully English. This perspective suggests that many second and third-generation migrants are not truly English, even if born in the country.

Reform donor Arron Banks drew criticism last month for posting on X that "Going through Heathrow today, there wasn't one white face in security or airport services. The Home Office is staffed by the type of people we are trying to keep out!"

Tim Montgomerie, a former Reform activist, noted that there was "a lot of dismay at the top of the party" regarding the 'Englishness' row. A party source indicated that Farage has long held the view that "black and Asian people can be English."

Badenoch's intervention at the Conservative conference seized on these comments, leading to an aggressive critique of Reform. Research suggests her response resonated with the public, potentially contributing to a recent shift in polls where the Conservatives have reportedly overtaken Reform for the first time in two years.

Politicians such as Andy Burnham acknowledged Badenoch's stance, stating she was right to "draw a line between her and Reform for suggesting that her children were not British."