Labour and Tories need to outflank the extremists

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 7, 2026

After the Conservative Party’s loss in the 2024 elections, Kemi Badenoch has aligned the party more closely with Reform UK, but this approach has coincided with significant losses in local council seats and a decline in polling. Analysts suggest that a renewed focus on economic competence and clear policy distinctions from both Labour and Reform UK is crucial for the Conservatives to halt their decline and restore their political standing.

Following the Conservative Party’s defeat in the 2024 elections, Kemi Badenoch has steered the party closer to Reform UK, a smaller political group trailing the Tories by about 10 points in recent polls. However, this strategy has not yielded the desired results. Over the past two years, the Conservative Party has lost more than 1,000 local council seats, surrendered its lead in opinion polls by early 2025, and effectively become a regional offshoot of Reform UK.

Reform UK is currently facing significant challenges. Leader Nigel Farage has been embroiled in multiple scandals, and scrutiny over party donations has sidelined him from media platforms. Despite these difficulties, Reform’s struggles have yet to translate into a Conservative resurgence. Observers note that much of the Tory front bench remains reluctant to address Farage’s controversies directly.

Badenoch’s critics argue that her focus on cultural issues as the battleground for elections is misguided. The only notable boost in her approval came following her response to the last budget, which resonated beyond political insiders. This reaction stemmed not chiefly from her combative tone but from the substance of her arguments, which aligned with public concerns. Nonetheless, Badenoch has pursued a strategy of sharp personal attacks on Labour figures, making controversial comparisons that have failed to gain traction with the wider electorate.

Analysts suggest the key for Badenoch lies in emphasizing policy competence over provocative rhetoric. Her approval ratings improved notably when she adopted a more traditional opposition role, emphasizing tax policy and fiscal responsibility—areas where the Conservatives have historically been strong. A shift toward a clearer economic message, coupled with distinguishing the Tory platform from both Labour and Reform on social issues, could help arrest her party’s decline. There remains skepticism, however, about the Tories’ ability to convincingly embrace populism given their established identity as a party of governance and continuity.

Similar lessons apply to Labour under Andy Burnham. While Badenoch must reclaim the Conservative Party’s core strengths, Burnham faces the challenge of leading an opposition after Labour’s tenure marked by criticism for governance shortcomings. Both leaders are seen as needing to refocus on the fundamentals: effective government management and clear policy differentiation. Should either manage this recalibration, the United Kingdom’s longstanding two-party political system might yet regain its stability and vibrancy.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.