The Conservative Party conference in Manchester has been rocked by internal divisions as Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch publicly rejected Nigel Farage's potential membership bid, declaring the Reform UK honorary president would not be welcome in the party.
In a striking intervention that highlights the deepening rifts within the Tory ranks, Badenoch stated unequivocally that Farage "is not a Conservative" and would not be admitted to the party despite his recent expressions of interest. The comments came during a fringe event that exposed the ongoing battle for the soul of the Conservative movement.
Labour's Strategic Shift
Meanwhile, Labour's leadership revealed their own strategic calculations, with sources confirming they're actively targeting traditional Conservative voters rather than attempting to win back former Labour supporters who switched to the Tories in 2019.
Shadow ministers speaking at their Manchester conference events made clear their belief that the "Red Wall" voters who abandoned Labour for Boris Johnson would naturally return to the fold, allowing the party to focus on winning over disaffected centrist Tories.
Immigration Policy Divides
The tensions within Conservative ranks were further exposed over immigration policy, with Badenoch acknowledging the government's struggle to reduce net migration numbers despite repeated promises.
"We said we would bring the numbers down and they have not come down," Badenoch admitted during a Telegraph event, highlighting one of the key policy areas where the government faces criticism from both its flanks.
The public dismissal of Farage represents a significant moment in the ongoing realignment of British politics, with the Conservative leadership drawing clear boundaries even as some on the party's right wing express sympathy for the Brexit architect's positions.
