The scene in Birmingham
If you were looking for a vibe shift at the Conservative conference this week, you might have been left wanting. The atmosphere was notably quiet, with thin crowds and a distinct lack of energy. The party seems to be operating under a new internal doctrine: Kemi Badenoch is the beginning and the end. She has described herself as the captain, coach and owner of the Tories, and frankly, the party is just rolling with it.
The speech that dragged
Badenoch’s big keynote address—clocking in at over an hour—was a bit of a slog. It was heavy on the expected tropes, featuring the usual jabs at Labour and Reform. While the party faithful in the hall gave her a hero’s welcome, the substance felt thin. There was no real policy-heavy argument, just a collection of thoughts that seemed to lose even her own interest halfway through.
Behind the scenes, the shadow cabinet was treated to a weird, talent-show style introduction, though the presentation was a bit of a train wreck—names were mispronounced, and Tom Tugendhat was noticeably absent, having opted for a trip to India instead.
The 'retail offer'
Badenoch did eventually land on a signature proposal: an inheritance tax cut. The plan would essentially remove the tax on homes passed down to children, with an extra million-pound allowance tacked on for good measure. It’s a move that targets the wealthy, essentially signaling that the party is prioritizing those with significant assets.
Why it matters
The Conservatives are currently polling at 20% and sitting in third place, yet they’ve bet their entire future on Badenoch. By making her the centerpiece of the party, they’ve created a "Kult of Kemi" where questioning her leadership is off the table. It’s a massive gamble; if she doesn't turn the ship around, the party has no backup plan. They’re effectively going all-in, and whether that leads to a resurrection or a total cliff-dive is anyone’s guess.
