Over the weekend Kemi Badenoch was elected as the new Leader of the Conservative Party.
She inherits a dire political situation: in July her party suffered its worst electoral defeat in history, leaving her with just 121 Conservative MPs. While some may cheer this news, the job of His Majesty’s most loyal opposition requires significant manpower to be able to shadow the government effectively – this resource is currently insufficient to do the job of scrutinising Sir Keir Starmer’s administration effectively.
Whilst overcoming that immediate challenge, Badenoch must swiftly begin to turn the electoral fortunes of her party around. In time there will be a refreshed policy platform, and rebuilt campaigning infrastructure to take the fight to Labour, the Liberal Democrats and Reform – but Badenoch has been consistent in her direction that for renewal to work it must be constructed around a set of core values, without which everything else will be hollow.
So, what are those values? What does Kemi Badenoch believe, and how might that start to be fleshed out over the coming months and years?
Taking her public statements, and speaking to those who know her best, MHP has distilled Kemi-ism into six core principles that she believes binds the Conservatives together.
Economic prudence and free enterprise
Badenoch’s commitment to economic prudence and fiscal responsibility reflects a belief in free enterprise. She values an economic system where government intervention is minimised, and the market is allowed to regulate itself, fostering competition and innovation. She strongly advocates for fiscal responsibility, with a focus on controlling public spending and avoiding excessive borrowing.
Personal responsibility
Her views on controlling public spending, upholding the rule of law are rooted in the notion of personal responsibility. Badenoch’s core belief is that individuals and governments alike should be accountable for their actions and decisions. That extends to parental choice and teacher empowerment with Badenoch advocating for a curriculum focused on boosting educational standards and equality of opportunity.
Meritocracy
Badenoch emphasises the importance of creating a context for citizens to advance based on merit and effort, suggesting that people should progress based on their abilities and efforts rather than their background. A classically conservative view, her tenure as leader will likely be focused on distinguishing the Conservatives from parties of the left who advocate for greater government intervention to support success.
Anti-identity politics
She values equality of opportunity but positions herself strongly against divisive “identity politics”. Badenoch supports the idea that individuals should be free to associate based on shared values and merit, rather than being grouped by involuntary characteristics such as race or gender.
Freedom of speech
Badenoch is a staunch advocate for the preservation of free speech, which she sees as under threat, particularly in academic institutions. She believes in the right to express one’s opinions without censorship or restraint, a cornerstone of democratic society that differentiates her stance from those who might favour more regulatory approaches.
British history and national unity
Badenoch is a defender of British identity and our history, opposing attempts to “rewrite” it and stressing the importance of understanding it in its full context. She has spoken at length about fostering national unity and is against movements that she feels could undermine it, such as Scottish independence.
How does this translate into opposition strategy?
By building upon these principles, Badenoch will hope to clearly define her renewed party against Labour. Accusations of ‘you’re all the same’ from voters will be given short shrift. For the first time in a long time, there is a sharp ideological distinction between the leaders of our two main parties.
Expect Thatcherite-expositions on empowering entrepreneurs and industry being the backbone of the economy. Anticipate cultural campaigns designed to boost British identity and rout woke agendas. Predict firm foundations being established with the goal of rebuilding Conservative credibility, pointed squarely at neutralising predictable attacks from Reform and staring down the Liberal Democrats eyeing up the ‘official opposition’ crown.
Will voters react positively to a classic Conservative Party championing individual liberty and a smaller, less intrusive state? Or will the public reward Labour’s bigger spending, investment in services and a more interventionist government?
That clear blue water will be tested on the electoral battlefield soon enough, with key local elections taking place in May 2025.
The old political maxim that oppositions don’t win power, governments lose it, has proven true since time immemorial. What is clear from Badenoch is that she has no intention of waiting for power to fall into her lap.
Our team have put together a quick guide to the new Shadow Cabinet – providing you with a detailed biography for each member. Download it here.