Kemi Badenoch has experienced a dramatic shift in public perception over the past year, transforming from a figure criticized by various political factions to one whose reputation has significantly improved. A year ago, at the Conservative Party conference, Badenoch was reportedly viewed as abrasive, lazy, shallow, and inexperienced. However, her performance in the House of Commons, where she frequently held her own against Keir Starmer, has contributed to her rising standing. Her personal approval ratings are now considerably higher than those of her party.
This resurgence has led some to view her as a potential leader reminiscent of Margaret Thatcher. The author contrasts her with a succession of Conservative leaders perceived as pragmatic or indistinguishable from their Labour opponents. Figures like John Major, David Cameron, and the post-Covid era Tories are cited for policies such as closer European integration, the 'Big Society' initiative, increased taxes for the well-off, costly foreign wars, and high levels of immigration. The Conservative Party's pursuit of Net Zero policies at the expense of economic growth is also mentioned.
Badenoch, who entered Parliament in 2017 and became a junior minister in 2019, has been associated with these past policies. However, her ability to acknowledge past party errors without attempting to distance herself from them is highlighted as a key strength. This is reflected in her booklet, 'The Right Way,' published to coincide with the recent Tory Party conference. The booklet, modeled on a 1976 publication by Thatcher's Conservatives, addresses what she identifies as economic and cultural malaise, including a perceived overreach of the state and a decline in individual responsibility.
'The Right Way' reasserts principles that the author argues have been marginalized by recent Tory leadership. Badenoch's emphasis on these principles has resonated with some, offering a contrast to what is described as the collectivist values of the current age. The booklet also touches on specific policy areas, such as the extension of free childcare to couples earning over £100,000, which is framed as a measure to remove disincentives to work rather than a concession to the wealthy. The potential jettisoning of inheritance tax is also mentioned as a possible future policy.
Despite Badenoch's personal success and her apparent shift of the party towards the right, her party's standing in the polls remains low. This is attributed to voters' memories of past Conservative governments. The rise of Reform UK and Nigel Farage is presented as a significant challenge, offering an alternative for disillusioned voters. Badenoch has previously described a potential deal with Reform as 'monstrous,' but the author suggests that unity on the right is essential to prevent a protracted period of Labour government. The piece concludes by emphasizing that Badenoch's achievements could be undermined if the divided right-wing factions do not unite.