In a stunning display of internal discord, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has publicly condemned her own party's election strategy, labelling it an "institutional failure" that systematically ignored crucial warnings from senior figures.
The blistering assessment emerged during a private conference call with party donors, where Badenoch didn't hold back in her criticism of the Conservative campaign machinery. Her comments represent the most significant public airing of grievances since the party's devastating electoral defeat.
Ignored Warnings and Strategic Blunders
According to sources familiar with the discussion, Badenoch revealed that multiple cabinet ministers had repeatedly sounded alarms about the failing campaign strategy. "We were telling them this was not working," she asserted, highlighting how concerns from experienced politicians were dismissed by party headquarters.
The Business Secretary particularly singled out Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride for praise, suggesting his more measured approach should have been adopted across the campaign. This subtle endorsement positions Stride as a potential leadership contender while undermining other senior figures.
Leadership Ambitions and Party Divisions
Political analysts interpret Badenoch's unusually frank comments as a clear positioning move for the upcoming leadership contest. By distancing herself from the failed campaign strategy, she aims to emerge as the standard-bearer for MPs demanding radical party reform.
Her criticism extends beyond mere campaign tactics to what she describes as deeper organisational failures. The remarks suggest significant tensions between the parliamentary party and Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ), indicating structural problems that predate the election defeat.
Fallout and Future Implications
The public nature of Badenoch's criticism signals that the traditional post-election party unity has already fractured. With senior figures like Priti Patel and James Cleverly also considering leadership bids, the stage is set for a bitter internal struggle over the party's future direction.
This early outbreak of public infighting suggests the Conservatives face a prolonged period of internal turmoil as they grapple with their worst electoral performance in modern history. The party now confronts not only rebuilding from opposition but healing deep internal divisions exposed by Badenoch's remarkable intervention.
