One year after her bold leadership bid, Kemi Badenoch has firmly established herself as the Conservative frontrunner-in-waiting, positioning herself strategically within a party grappling with its future direction.
The Business Secretary, who finished fourth in last summer's contest, has been quietly building support among MPs and members alike, with many viewing her as the natural successor should the Tories need a new leader after the next general election.
The Rising Star
Badenoch's political stock has risen significantly since her leadership campaign, where she impressed many with her clear-eyed vision and communication skills. Despite not making the final two, she secured a prominent role in Rishi Sunak's government and has used her platform to champion conservative principles on economic and social issues.
Her approach contrasts with other potential contenders who have been more vocal about their ambitions, instead focusing on delivering in her ministerial role while maintaining connections across the party's various factions.
The Succession Battle
Several other figures are also positioning themselves for a potential leadership contest. Penny Mordaunt, who came third in last year's race, remains popular with the membership, while Suella Braverman maintains strong support on the party's right flank.
However, many MPs view Badenoch as having the broadest appeal across different wings of the party, combining economic competence with cultural conservatism in a way that resonates with both modernisers and traditionalists.
Challenges Ahead
The path to leadership remains fraught with challenges. The Conservative Party trails significantly in opinion polls, and any future leader would inherit a difficult political landscape. Badenoch's supporters argue that her ability to articulate conservative values clearly and her relative freshness compared to longer-serving ministers make her the ideal candidate to refresh the party's appeal.
As one senior backbencher noted: "Kemi represents the future of the party. She connects with voters who feel traditional conservatism has lost its way, while maintaining the economic credibility the country needs."
With the next election looming, the behind-the-scenes manoeuvring continues, but Badenoch's careful positioning suggests she's playing the long game in the Tory leadership wars.
