Kemi Badenoch’s leadership has marked a significant turnaround for the Conservative Party, which faces renewed challenges ahead of its annual conference this weekend in Birmingham. Two years after a crushing general election defeat that ended 14 years of Conservative rule, Badenoch, who became party leader in November 2024, has gradually restored the party’s relevance and risen to become one of the United Kingdom’s most popular politicians.
Badenoch, 46, who grew up partly in Nigeria before settling in the UK, took over the party leadership amid doubts about the Conservative Party’s survival. Early on, her combative style drew mixed reactions, and losses in local elections prompted calls for her resignation. However, as the Labour government under Prime Minister Andy Burnham has faced criticism over tax rises and policy decisions, Badenoch has capitalized on these missteps to bolster her standing. Recent polling shows her personal approval rating at 38 percent—an improvement of 23 points since late 2025—though Conservative party support remains around 19 percent, still trailing Labour and roughly equal to the right-wing Reform UK party.
Under Badenoch, the Conservatives have shifted to the right, advocating for lower taxes, welfare cuts, tougher immigration controls, and a departure from the European Convention on Human Rights. She has framed the party’s economic approach as fiscally responsible, emphasizing plans to reduce the welfare bill and use savings to cut taxes for working people and reduce business charges. This contrasts with Labour’s policies, which she describes as a “tax rise frenzy.” Badenoch has also criticized Burnham’s agenda, portraying it as a return to 1970s-style socialism, including proposals to nationalize industries, remove the pension triple lock, and reverse Brexit. She argues these policies pose risks to Britain’s future.
The party’s internal unity has improved considerably after a period of fragmentation, with Badenoch credited for consolidating diverse factions. Prominent Conservatives, such as former party leader Iain Duncan Smith, have praised her determination and intellect, drawing comparisons to Margaret Thatcher’s leadership style. Yet, some analysts caution against overstating the party’s revival, noting that while Badenoch’s personal popularity has risen, the Conservative Party itself has yet to regain significant electoral strength.
Badenoch is preparing for a potential snap election, securing pre-election access talks with civil service officials to ensure swift implementation of her proposed reforms if returned to power. These include stronger border controls and a “detain and deport” system for illegal migrants. At the conference, she plans to introduce policies aimed at “putting the fair back in welfare,” such as requiring work experience before younger claimants can receive Universal Credit.
On the political right, Badenoch continues to face competition from Nigel Farage’s Reform UK, although the party’s momentum has slowed amid funding controversies. She also confronts Labour’s Prime Minister Burnham, whose pragmatic communication style presents a formidable challenge.
Badenoch’s leadership reflects both progress and ongoing hurdles for the Conservatives as they seek to rebuild support and present a credible alternative to the current government. With Britain facing economic uncertainty and political realignment, the coming months will test whether the party’s renewed energy under Badenoch can translate into electoral success.