Following a devastating defeat in the 2024 General Election that left the Conservative Party’s future uncertain, Kemi Badenoch’s rise has brought renewed focus and a measure of optimism within the party. Despite early doubts about her leadership, Badenoch has consolidated her position amid ongoing challenges facing the Conservatives.

After the 2024 election, the party appeared on the brink of collapse, with many observers predicting its imminent demise. Badenoch’s election as leader provided a reprieve, but initial missteps in interviews and parliamentary appearances fueled internal leadership speculation. Former minister Robert Jenrick was reported to have plotted against her ahead of the 2025 party conference, aiming to replace her. However, Badenoch’s forceful speech at the conference helped solidify her control, and Jenrick subsequently defected to Reform UK.

Since then, Badenoch has developed a more confident and engaging parliamentary style, noted for its dry wit and directness, which has resonated with both party members and the public. Nevertheless, the Conservative Party’s popularity remains below levels recorded during the last general election. Persistent criticisms focus on the previous government’s failure to address immigration and financial management effectively, issues that continue to weigh heavily on the party’s standing.

Polling specialist Lord Ashcroft summarized the situation by noting that while Badenoch herself enjoys considerable personal support, the broader party struggles to win public trust. Despite low poll numbers, the atmosphere at this week’s Conservative conference was notably upbeat, driven largely by Badenoch’s compelling presence and policy proposals—a dynamic some analysts describe as “Kemistry.”

In her keynote address, Badenoch called for a revival of what she termed “commonsense” Conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, strong national defense, and limited government intervention. Her so-called “Right Way” strategy includes pledges to abolish inheritance taxes on family homes, a move aimed at appealing to voters frustrated with existing levies. Critics from the Labour Party argue this approach favors wealthier voters, accusing the Conservatives of neglecting social equity. Badenoch and her team, however, view such criticism as illustrative of Labour’s shift toward left-wing policies under leader Andy Burnham.

Badenoch characterized Labour’s platform as a return to a nostalgic vision of the 1970s featuring high taxation, powerful unions, and expansive public spending, positioning the Conservatives as a pragmatic alternative. “Hope is not a strategy. Nostalgia is not a plan,” she stated in reference to Labour’s policy direction.

The Conservative Party’s efforts to regain traction have also benefited from the troubles facing other opposition parties. Reform UK has been hampered by internal disciplinary issues and allegations regarding dubious funding sources, while the Green Party faces criticism for perceived antisemitism within its ranks. Badenoch notably ruled out any electoral alliance with Reform UK, citing the intolerance displayed by some of its prominent members—a stance that carries considerably more weight given her rising stature.

While challenges remain for the Conservative Party, Badenoch’s leadership represents a critical component of its attempt to recover political ground ahead of future elections.