Kemi Badenoch, the Conservative politician and shadow secretary, delivered a sharply worded speech to an audience of around 400 Tory supporters at the Westminster headquarters of the Institution of Civil Engineers on a rainy Tuesday morning. The event, which has steadily grown in attendance over recent months, showcased Badenoch’s forceful and unapologetic rhetorical style as she addressed a range of political opponents and issues.

Speaking in a grand, neo-classical setting, Badenoch took aim at several figures across the political spectrum. She criticized Labour leaders Andy Burnham and John Healey, particularly targeting Burnham’s focus on relatively minor issues such as noise levels on trains. Badenoch insisted that higher priorities should command the attention of someone in Burnham’s role, stressing her belief that he was neglecting more pressing matters.

Her remarks also extended to international figures, including Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz, whom she suggested might not endure long in office. Badenoch did not shy away from internal Tory tensions, addressing those Conservative MPs who have defected to the Reform party. Former Prime Minister Liz Truss, as well as previous Conservative leaders who introduced tax increases, received some criticism, though the remarks were more measured.

The shadow chancellor, Andrew Griffith, opened the event with a speech that looked ahead to the upcoming budget. Drawing on his business background, Griffith advocated for a combination of lower taxes and spending cuts, emphasizing fiscal responsibility. He framed the Conservative approach as one that would reduce welfare spending increases while making room for more defence expenditure. Badenoch echoed and reinforced this message, highlighting her proposals for numerous tax reductions and emphasizing the urgency of cutting taxes, repeating the word “tax” rapidly for effect.

Badenoch’s style was noted for its intensity and rapid-fire delivery, with her critiques described metaphorically as “machine-gun bullets.” Her performance was distinctly direct and combative, contrasting with more diplomatic or conciliatory approaches sometimes used in politics. Her engagement with journalists at the event suggested a readiness to confront challenging questions assertively.

The speech reflects Badenoch’s growing profile within the Conservative Party as a formidable and outspoken figure who appeals to a base seeking a robust, no-nonsense political style. Her combination of policy focus, especially on fiscal discipline and defence, and a confrontational tone appears to be drawing increasingly larger audiences and attention in the run-up to forthcoming political contests.