Kemi Badenoch Rejects Centrism in Conservative Party, Urges Rightward Shift
The Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has firmly declared that centrist ideas are no longer desired within the party, directly challenging one-nation Tories and others who express doubts about her right-leaning agenda. In a speech delivered in Westminster, Badenoch asserted that those who do not align with her vision "need to get out of the way", signalling a significant ideological pivot for the Tories.
Attack on Defectors and Centrist Figures
Badenoch did not hold back in her criticism, labelling the actions of former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick and other defectors to Reform UK as a "tantrum". She explicitly rejected the approach of prominent centrist figures, such as former West Midlands mayor Andy Street and former Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson, who have launched a new group aimed at attracting "politically homeless" centrist and centre-right voters.
While Badenoch mentioned she welcomes any assistance that could help the Conservatives win an election, she made it clear that this support must not involve policies diverging from her right-wing platform. "They need to recognise the agenda which I'm setting," she stated, emphasising her leadership role and the expectation for party members to back her direction.
Policy Platform and Electoral Implications
Outlining a policy platform that aligns closely with Reform UK, Badenoch focused on key issues including cutting immigration, opposing net zero policies, reducing social security, and lowering taxes. She remarked, "My Conservative party has moved to the right every day since I became leader," a line that was reportedly removed from the final speech only due to length constraints.
Badenoch expressed a relaxed attitude towards centrists potentially leaving the party, stating, "I won't apologise to those walking away because they don't like the new direction. We only want Conservatives." This stance could pose electoral risks, as the Conservatives lost approximately 60 seats to the Liberal Democrats in the last election, largely due to centrist voters abandoning the party.
Reception and Future Outlook
The speech was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience of MPs and party members, particularly during her sharp critique of defectors. Badenoch argued that her approach seeks "a common ground" rather than focusing on left-right divides, but this explicit rejection of the centrist tradition within conservatism is likely to concern some party members.
As the Conservative party navigates this rightward shift under Badenoch's leadership, the internal dynamics and voter appeal will be closely watched, with potential implications for future elections and party unity.
