Key facts
- Kemi Badenoch stated she is effectively the new captain, coach, and owner of the Conservative party.
- Badenoch has explicitly stated that centrist ideas are no longer wanted within the party.
- Badenoch's policies include opposition to net zero and a reduction in human rights protections.
- A policy to grant free childcare to people with incomes above £100,000 was announced.
- Badenoch announced that a government led by her would exempt people's homes from inheritance tax.
- Badenoch is recognized by 90% of voters, according to YouGov polling.
Kemi Badenoch has asserted her significant control over the Conservative party, stating in a TV interview that she is effectively the new captain, coach, and owner. This assertion comes as she has been a central figure throughout the party's recent conference.
Badenoch's influence extends to the party's ideological direction, which she has steered towards a right-leaning agenda, explicitly stating at the beginning of the year that centrist ideas were no longer desired. Policy decisions, such as granting free childcare to individuals earning over £100,000, are reportedly made based on her belief in their correctness rather than electoral considerations. Allies describe her decision-making as resolute, with little room for persuasion.
Her prominence is reflected in voter recognition, with 90% of those polled by YouGov knowing who she is, a stark contrast to other shadow cabinet members. This personal popularity is a key factor in the party's current unity, especially after the departure of some dissenting figures to Reform UK. However, some party insiders express concern that Badenoch's focus on culture war issues and specific policy choices, like inheritance tax exemptions for homeowners, may not align with a cohesive electoral strategy.
Despite the party's overall polling at around 20%, Badenoch's position is considered secure. The article notes that while politics is not a one-person game, the rest of the shadow cabinet lags significantly behind Badenoch in terms of public profile and, in some cases, perceived ability, leading to questions about whether the party is becoming too reliant on a single individual.