Conservative members arriving at their party conference in Birmingham have described a "buoyant" and "extremely positive" mood, a stark contrast to the "funeral-esque" atmosphere of last year.
Express columnist and Conservative councillor Mieka Smiles spoke to attendees who said the party feels united and focused under leader Kemi Badenoch.
Members report a 'party united'
Luke Robert Black, 33, from London, who supports small businesses and is director of engagement for the Next Gen Tories, said: "The mood is buoyant and extremely positive. What's different this year is that this is a party united and razor-focused on building a positive and ambitious offer to voters."
He added: "I'm really looking forward to more of Kemi's offer for young people. Labour is taxing them out of work and Reform calls them lazy - Kemi is really the only leader talking about young people."
Igraine Gray, 32, a writer from Loftus, North Yorkshire, said: "Everyone I've spoken to has genuinely been looking forward to conference, it feels more settled than it did last year or 2024, like we've found our footing and know how we're moving forward."
She added: "There are some really forward-looking discussions going on this year, especially around tech, energy and culture, which are always the best parts of conference."
Younger members report increased numbers
Kiran Fothergill, 32, director of Pickerings Lifts from Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, said: "The mood is really positive. There's a sense of purpose, urgency and togetherness that is exciting. We've got a serious job to do and we've got the leadership that is delivering."
Tyler Reeton, 25, a Conservative council candidate in Knaresborough, said: "From last year we've got 50% more young Conservatives here. There's a good energy - there's a good vibe, if you will."
He added: "There's a lot of people up and down the country now here for the first time."
His girlfriend Isobelle Horne, 19, a student at Leeds University from Kent, said: "I think last year there was loads of people there kind of questioning their membership and questioning if they should switch to Reform. I've not heard one person question their membership."
Optimism but challenges remain
Sai Karthik Madabhushi, 45, a software engineer and Conservative councillor at Brent Council from Wembley, said: "There's a more positive vibe compared to last year. Last year after Sunday, or maybe even Monday noon, it was very quiet."
He added: "But this year there's a lot more optimism."
Smiles noted that good vibes do not win elections and there is much to happen before 2029, but said it feels like under Kemi the Conservative Party is finally getting its groove back.
