Kemi Badenoch has issued a stark warning that the Conservative Party is no longer the “natural party of government” in a comprehensive 40-page booklet addressing the crisis within the Tories.
In a detailed 20,000-word essay, Badenoch highlighted the party’s plummeting approval ratings among younger voters as a significant threat to its position in British politics. She expressed concerns that as older Tory voters diminish in number, the party may lose its status as the main opposition party as well.
The Conservative leadership contender outlined her views on how a new “bureaucratic class” is influencing the rise of identity politics and contributing to the country’s stagnant economic growth. Badenoch criticised what she described as a polarising “new left” focused on increasing social and economic control through government regulations.
Emphasising the urgency for the Tories to address these challenges, Badenoch called for a pushback against environmental policies and identity politics. She asserted that conservatism is currently in crisis, with entrepreneurs and private sector businesses feeling pressured by the growing influence of middle-class bureaucrats.
Badenoch’s rallying cry to fellow Conservatives urged them to rise to the occasion and combat the perceived threats posed by the “new left.” She underlined the importance of countering victimhood and complaint culture to encourage risk-taking and entrepreneurship among individuals.
As Badenoch seeks to revitalise her bid to succeed Rishi Sunak, she stressed the need for the Conservative Party to adapt to this evolving landscape. She pointed out the party’s reliance on elderly affluent voters as a demographic that is shrinking, posing existential risks to its future relevance.
The publication of Badenoch’s essay, titled ‘Conservatism in Crisis,’ coincided with a significant shift in the Tory leadership race. Recent polling indicated a narrowing gap between Badenoch and her rival Robert Jenrick among party members, with the latter gaining ground in popularity.
Despite facing criticism during the party conference for her comments on maternity pay, Badenoch urged Tory activists to reclaim their narrative and reject portrayals of the party as the “bad guys.” She emphasised the need for Conservative members to assert control over the leadership selection process and not be swayed by external influences.
Badenoch’s warning about the Conservative Party’s future trajectory underscores the internal challenges the party faces in appealing to a broader demographic, particularly among younger voters. As the leadership contest unfolds, the party’s response to these issues will be crucial in shaping its path forward.