Badenoch Unveils Tory 'Golden Rule' to Cut Deficit, Boost Economy

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch unveiled a "golden rule" economic policy at the Conservative Party conference, committing to use at least half of all money saved from spending cuts to reduce the UK's borrowing deficit. The remaining savings would be allocated for economic growth through tax cuts and investment, aiming to restore fiscal responsibility and economic credibility to the party. Badenoch criticized the Labour government's fiscal approach, warning that Chancellor Rachel Reeves' plans would double the deficit over the next decade, which she called "not sustainable" and "stealing from our children and grandchildren." The policy builds on Conservative pledges to cut £47 billion in public spending by restricting welfare, shrinking the civil service, and reducing university student numbers by 100,000 annually to save on loan write-offs and boost apprenticeship funding. Badenoch emphasized that every tax cut or spending increase must be fully paid for, positioning the Conservatives as the party with a plan to get the economy back on track amid current borrowing challenges. This initiative is part of a broader Tory agenda focusing on the economy and border security, including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights and deporting 150,000 people annually.