Kemi Badenoch Faces Challenges in Rebuilding Conservative Party

The Tory leader’s cautious approach seeks to restore trust and counter Reform UK’s rise after a historic defeat.

Kemi Badenoch, five weeks into her leadership of the Conservative Party, is focused on a long-term strategy to rebuild the party’s brand following its July 2024 election loss.
Badenoch is avoiding quick policy announcements, emphasizing trust-building and broad conservative themes while planning policy commissions for 2025, with immigration likely to be a key focus.
Nigel Farage’s Reform UK is gaining momentum, threatening to outflank the Conservatives on the right and complicating Badenoch’s efforts to consolidate her base.
Badenoch has drawn comparisons to both Margaret Thatcher and Ed Miliband, with critics noting her unpolished performances but allies praising her authenticity and vision.
Upcoming local elections in May 2025 will serve as an early test of Badenoch’s leadership and the party’s ability to regain voter confidence.