Kemi Badenoch opened the Conservative Party conference this week in Birmingham presenting a notably stronger position than at the same event one year ago, yet significant challenges remain as she seeks to restore the party’s standing amid persistent electoral pressures.

Since assuming leadership of the Conservatives following their worst-ever general election performance, Badenoch initially struggled to gain momentum. Her leadership was overshadowed by the rapid rise of Reform UK and the continued popularity of figures such as Nigel Farage on the political right. However, over the past year she has steadily improved her profile through assertive policy pledges, including a commitment to abolish stamp duty, alongside confident performances in parliamentary sessions and lively critiques of opposition leader Keir Starmer’s policies. Following Starmer’s recent setbacks, some polls have shown Badenoch as the most popular, or least unpopular, political leader, while Farage’s personal approval ratings have declined significantly.

Despite Badenoch’s personal upswing, the Conservatives remain behind in the opinion polls, polling around 20 percent and competing with Reform UK for second place behind Labour. The party currently holds just 118 seats in Parliament, limiting Badenoch’s options to promote new talent and refresh the party’s image. To counter scepticism about the party’s commitment to change, Badenoch has pushed forward younger members such as Laura Trott, Nick Timothy, and Katie Lam, aiming to signal a break from the Conservatives’ previous record after 14 years in government.

Badenoch’s conference platform also appears to have been shaped by shifts within the opposition. Andy Burnham’s keynote address at Labour’s conference outlined a pronounced move leftward with expansive state intervention plans, including an £18 billion national care service. The government has not provided detailed explanations for funding these initiatives or addressing an anticipated £10 billion budget shortfall. This fiscal uncertainty could position the Conservatives to present themselves as a fiscally responsible alternative when the government budget is unveiled on October 28, potentially alongside further tax increases.

Policy proposals shared at the conference included measures aimed at boosting housebuilding via deregulation, though Badenoch’s continued support for the triple lock on state pensions has drawn criticism from some quarters for its long-term fiscal impact. The projected welfare bill, expected to reach £400 billion by the decade’s end, poses a substantial sustainability challenge, underscoring the need for comprehensive review across welfare policies.

In preparing for future electoral contests, Badenoch has emphasized an economic vision that harkens back to Conservative principles from the Thatcher era, aiming to present a clear and consistent approach on government debt, immigration, and public service reform. Success for Badenoch will hinge on convincing the electorate that the party can deliver substantive change rather than repeating past policy reversals. The coming budget and ongoing political debates will serve as key tests for her leadership and the Conservative Party’s ability to reclaim viable electoral ground.