Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, outlined plans to eliminate inheritance tax on family homes and prioritise economic growth if her party returns to government. Speaking at the Conservative annual conference in Birmingham, Badenoch positioned the upcoming election as a decisive contest for the future direction of the nation, characterising it as a “battle for the soul of the nation.”
Badenoch pledged to abolish death duties on all family residences and raise the tax-free allowance for couples by an additional £1 million. She argued that this policy would reduce the number of families subject to inheritance tax by more than half, framing it as a measure to protect the ability of parents to pass wealth on to their children. She criticised the Labour Party for what she described as being “addicted to welfare” and for viewing income and savings as government property to redistribute.
“The Labour Party think it is selfish to pass on what you have earned to your children. We don’t,” she stated.
Addressing the Conservative Party's setbacks in the 2024 general election, Badenoch affirmed her commitment to restore the party’s standing. She emphasised the Conservatives' aim to represent hardworking individuals and promote what she called “common sense” policies to unify the country and revive its economic performance.
As part of a broader agenda, Badenoch promised to implement a “tough love” approach to welfare by curbing government spending on benefits and encouraging higher employment levels, particularly among young people. She criticised the current welfare system for what she described as providing support for those with “mild anxiety” under disability claims, arguing it disincentivises workforce participation.
Badenoch also attacked the incumbent Labour-led Burnham Government, accusing it of maintaining a “high tax, high spend” approach that, in her view, burdens the economy with excessive debt and taxation.
She identified economic recovery as the central focus for a future Conservative administration, highlighting growth as the key driver for policy choices moving forward.
Badenoch further addressed internal party dynamics following recent defections to Reform UK, a rival right-wing party. She dismissed discussions of formal cooperation with Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, reaffirming that the Conservatives would contest elections independently without forming pacts to avoid splitting the right-leaning vote.
Despite trailing behind both Labour and Reform UK in recent polls, Badenoch expressed confidence in the party’s prospects: “We are going to win, not for ourselves, but for our country… for everyone who wants to see Britain working again.”