Kemi Badenoch has issued a stark warning to anyone seeking an easy life on benefits, declaring that the Conservative Party is not for those who can work but choose not to. In a speech livestreamed from central London, the Tory leader called for her party to 'just be conservative' and distanced herself from calls to rebrand, suggesting the party had forgotten its identity.
Badenoch's Vision for the Conservative Party
Speaking at an event with Spectator Magazine's political editor Tim Shipman, Badenoch outlined who the party represents. 'We are not for the people who can work, but chose not to work,' she said, adding that the party is not for those who believe Britain lacks culture. She defended her period of 'renewal' pledged when she became leader.
Candidate Requirements: The Five C's
Badenoch announced that potential Conservative parliamentary candidates will need to sign a contract agreeing with her political agenda and demonstrate the 'five C's': Conservative, clever, communicate, conviction, and charisma. She stated that selecting the right candidates would help rebuild the party.
No Deals with Other Parties
The Tory leader ruled out any pacts or non-aggression agreements with other parties ahead of the next election. 'Deals, non-aggression pacts ... I am just saying no,' she said. She also clarified that no deal has been made with Rupert Lowe, though she would work with him on common ground.
Defending the Triple Lock and Welfare Reform
Badenoch defended the triple lock on pensions, arguing it is 'not the root cause of the problem.' She called for a focus on getting more young people off benefits and into work, stating, 'We are spending on people who can work, to stay at home.' She warned that cutting the triple lock would merely redistribute low growth.
Unpicking the Blairite Settlement
Badenoch said the Conservative Party would have a mandate to 'unpick the Blairite settlement' continued by Sir Keir Starmer. She pledged to reverse VAT on private schools and sweep away regulations, including Labour's ban on trail hunting.
Criticism of Labour and Reform UK
Badenoch accused Labour of selling the country down the river on the EU and said she was 'absolutely terrified' of Starmer negotiating with the bloc. She criticised Reform UK for being 'like Starmer' due to changing their minds too often. 'We are the ones that always clean up after Labour,' she added.
She expressed sympathy for Starmer, describing him as a 'man who doesn't even like being questioned' and a 'blank canvas.' However, she warned that Starmer would 'probably give away the Isle of Wight' in EU negotiations.
Social Media Ban for Under-16s
Earlier, Badenoch called for a ban on social media for under-16s, criticising Starmer's approach as 'piecemeal.' She said a simpler way to protect children is to get them off social media entirely, rather than tackling issues one by one.
Economic and Energy Policies
The Liberal Democrats proposed clawing back £5 billion in windfall profits from energy firms to fund permanent household bill discounts. Meanwhile, Labour faced backlash over plans to ban conventional tumble dryers as part of EU Net Zero targets.
By-Election and Leadership Challenges
With the Makerfield by-election approaching, Andy Burnham's potential return to Parliament could trigger a Labour leadership contest. Starmer has vowed to fight any challenge, but polling suggests voters are unimpressed with current contenders.
