In a notable address that marks her first significant speech of 2025, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has turned her scrutiny towards both her predecessors and the broader handling of Brexit by the party. Badenoch, who became party leader in November, firmly criticized the decision to exit the European Union without a coherent growth plan, labeling this step as a significant blunder. Her remarks signal a pivot towards accountability within the Conservative Party, as she aims to foster transparency and regaining public trust—a theme that she intends to prioritize throughout her leadership.
Badenoch’s speech promises to be a robust critique not only of the Labour government’s policies but also of the Conservative Party’s past commitments, particularly regarding immigration control and environmental targets. She pointedly noted how promises made by her party, such as lowering immigration rates and achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, were not followed by actionable plans, leaving both promises unfulfilled and the public frustrated. Badenoch’s approach is characterized by her pledge to share difficult truths with the electorate, admitting that the Conservatives have often said what the public wanted to hear, rather than what was practically achievable.
In pre-released extracts from her speech, Badenoch declared that without a willingness to admit mistakes, the public will struggle to trust politicians. She explicitly stated her intention to acknowledge the errors made by the Conservative Party. In her upcoming speech, she will reflect on the party’s decisions, indicating a willingness to confront past failures head-on. For instance, she will highlight that the announcement of leaving the EU preceded any strategic growth discussions and that the laws establishing net-zero carbon emissions led to a reactive rather than proactive strategy for implementation. Furthermore, she pointedly remarked that despite pledges to decrease immigration, the numbers have increased, an acknowledgment of the gap between rhetoric and reality.
Interestingly, Badenoch’s critique extends to opposition leader Sir Keir Starmer as well. She is expected to contrast her transparent approach with Starmer’s leadership, which she claims is devoid of acknowledgment of mistakes. By framing her criticisms this way, Badenoch positions herself as a leader ready to take responsibility and differentiate herself from what she perceives as Labour’s lack of accountability and planning.
Badenoch’s political journey is noteworthy as she has served under multiple Conservative prime ministers, including Boris Johnson, Liz Truss, and Rishi Sunak, indicating her extensive experience in various governmental roles. Her resume includes stints as international trade secretary, where she was responsible for establishing post-Brexit trade agreements. This foundation has established her firmly within the party as a committed Brexiteer, having supported both Johnson and Theresa May’s withdrawal plans.
Badenoch’s leadership narrative is further enhanced by her previous commitments to renovation and renewal within the Conservative Party. She has consistently emphasized the need to return to foundational principles, a plea that resonates with party loyalists seeking stability amidst ongoing challenges. While she has signaled an intention to develop policies post-confidence rebuilding, her recent speech includes critiques of opposition policies, expressing concerns over Labour’s perceived lack of strategic foresight.
In response, Labour chairwoman Ellie Reeves has countered Badenoch’s assertions, arguing that the Conservatives have lost public trust due to years of governmental failures. She labeled Badenoch’s criticisms as insufficient, claiming that they contain no tangible accountability for her involvement in the fallout from Truss’s economic policies, which she argues precipitated chaos and financial instability.
As Badenoch embarks on her journey to reshape the Conservative image, her rhetoric and proposed reforms will likely lead to significant discourse within British politics. By balancing criticism of both her party’s past decisions and the current opposition, she aims to establish a constructive pathway forward, ultimately hoping to mend the relationships with the electorate that have been fraught under previous administrations.
