Overview

• Thatcher centenary displays and merchandise dominated the conference floor, leaving Kemi Badenoch less conspicuous in the venue’s branding.
• Badenoch set out hardline migration measures including an ICE-style removals force, deportations of new arrivals within a week, abolition of judicial review for migration claims, and a ban on legal aid.
• The policy package also targets settlement rules by barring indefinite residency for migrants who claim benefits, seek social housing, or have criminal records.
• The party confirmed a pledge to withdraw from the ECHR and said candidates who oppose the policy will be barred from standing at the next election.
• Polling averages put the Conservatives near 16%—around 14 points behind Reform and close to the Lib Dems—while the conference showed thinning corporate presence and gimmicky attack materials, reports of no‑confidence moves against Badenoch, and a still robust £2.9m fundraising quarter.