Kemi Badenoch has unveiled her plans for her first act as prime minister, stating that she would prioritize restoring tax breaks for private schools. The Tory leadership contender made this announcement as she endeavoured to win over Conservative members during a crucial phase of her campaign to potentially succeed Rishi Sunak.
Whilst addressing party members, Badenoch also criticised Labour’s proposal to implement VAT on private schools as “cruel”, emphasising the importance of supporting education and aspiration. She urged for a shift in mindset, urging individuals to stop attributing all problems to Brexit and instead focus on addressing and resolving underlying issues.
During a televised debate on GB News with fellow contender Robert Jenrick, Badenoch attempted to dispel perceptions of herself as a combative politician, asserting her willingness to defend Conservative principles when challenged. She expressed her disapproval of Labour’s VAT policy, labelling it unfair and inconsiderate of the efforts made by families to afford private education.
Acknowledging the complexities of the UK’s exit from the EU, Badenoch admitted that although certain aspects of Brexit had been successful, there were noticeable shortcomings. She highlighted the necessity for a comprehensive strategy to maximise the benefits of Brexit and stressed the importance of taking proactive steps rather than attributing failures to external factors.
In response to questions regarding Nigel Farage, Badenoch asserted that the Reform leader would not be embraced by the Conservative Party due to his divisive rhetoric and opposition to core party values. Moreover, she addressed criticisms from a fellow Tory MP regarding her parental responsibilities, affirming that gender should not be a barrier to assuming leadership roles.
The debate further featured Jenrick advocating for stricter migration controls, emphasising the importance of limiting immigration to manageable levels. While Jenrick focused on concrete policy proposals, Badenoch underscored the significance of upholding principles in driving political decisions.
Following the debate, Jenrick’s team highlighted the need for substantive policies, contrasting Badenoch’s emphasis on principles. As the leadership contest progresses, the contrasting approaches of the candidates offer party members distinct visions for the future direction of the Conservative Party.