The Conservative party conference is seeing a surprising display of unity, lowkey thanks to a common enemy: party defectors. For Kemi Badenoch, the leader, this unity is a far cry from last year, when rivals like Robert Jenrick were actively plotting to oust her. Jenrick is now out of the party, and MPs are openly admitting relief. "Rob going was like pulling out a splinter," one shadow cabinet member said, with others comparing him to an abscess. Real talk, it's a bit dramatic, but it shows the vibes are shifting.
This newfound solidarity isn't just about shared dislikes, though. Badenoch has been leading for almost two years, longer than any Tory leader since Boris Johnson, and has been laying out her principles. MPs also seem to have wised up to the fact that voters aren't fans of the party constantly changing leaders – five in eight years is a lot, no cap.
Nigel Farage's Shadow
Nigel Farage's recent struggles with his Reform UK party have given some Tories a glimmer of hope, with some believing his party has peaked. However, others are not so sure, conceding that Farage still poses a significant threat. There's a concern that Badenoch's focus on the right might alienate centrist voters. The argument from some MPs is that the party needs to pivot, focusing more on the economy and less on the culture wars to actually win back voters. "That's not Kemi's instinct," one MP admitted, "But she does finally seem to understand it all has to be about the economy. That's where we win."
The Polls Don't Lie (Yet)
Badenoch apparently believes she can "shrug off" the Liz Truss legacy and beat both Reform UK and Labour on economic grounds. Her shadow chancellor, Andrew Griffith, who has a business background, is helping to boost the party's credibility on this front. Badenoch herself polls better than her party, which offers some protection from internal criticism, a tactic that has worked for past leaders like David Cameron and Boris Johnson. Still, despite Badenoch's efforts, the Tories are polling lower than they did before their 2024 general election defeat. "We need to put on three or four points in the polls," a senior aide stated. "If we do that and gain momentum we're back."
The Election Spectre
The looming specter of a snap general election is also causing some jitters, especially after Andy Burnham's recent meeting at Chequers. While the Prime Minister has ruled out an early election, some shadow cabinet members expressed doubt, noting that Burnham himself called it "irresponsible" to hold one. Badenoch, however, is reportedly telling her team to prepare for an election regardless. Her closest lieutenants, however, are less optimistic, reportedly saying, "If there is one, we're all fucked."
