Inside the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, dubbed Tory Disneyland, Kemi Badenoch reigns supreme as thousands of party faithful gather to celebrate free markets, capitalism, and a smaller state. The event, described by one attendee as an exuberant affair, has a distinctly triumphal feel compared to last year's gathering.
A Triumphal Atmosphere in Birmingham
Thousands have descended on Britain's second city to extol the virtues of conservatism, with the exhibition hall dominated by the "Birmingham Tapestry," a reimagining of the Bayeux Tapestry chronicling the ascent of Mrs Badenoch. A diminutive Robert Jenrick can be spotted in various stages of distress as visitors meander through the museum-like exhibit.
The dizzying blueness follows attendees everywhere, with no escape from the party's branding. Margaret Thatcher memorabilia is abundant, including mugs, paintings, tea towels, glasses, and posters, despite one weary attendee's protest: "We've tried to tone down Thatcher this year."
Thatcher's Legacy and Political Echoes
The late Baroness is invoked in Mrs Badenoch's new encyclical, The Right Way, which lays out her approach to Conservatism and expresses scorn for previous governments. One attendee suggested she may not have watched the 1990s House of Cards, in which fictional Prime Minister Henry Collingridge insists the Tories must do things "the right way! The right way!" – a character soon replaced by a figure on the right of his party.
Equally absent from the blue team's memory is Liz Truss. An attendee in a gold-buttoned blazer sought her out at the Tory shop, where David Cameron, Boris Johnson, and Theresa May are recreated as small china dolls. "No Liz though," he lamented. "Hers would probably be upside down."
Conference Highlights and Anticipation
Looming over proceedings is James McAlpine, the 22-year-old, 7ft 2in monolith of Scottish Conservatism, greeted with mild celebrity by fans snapping selfies. By early afternoon, there has already been a run for the Thatcher memorabilia, and most members are trawling the conference guide seeking receptions where the wine will flow.
Every Disneyland has its rides, and this one has a big one coming. Mrs Badenoch's speech awaits, and the party can only hope it doesn't turn out to be the Haunted Mansion. For now, though, the Faithful are happy with their mugs, their tapestry, and their china dolls – just don't ask where they've put Liz.
