Kemi Badenoch Delivers First Conservative Leader Speech Amid Party Challenges

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, delivered a keynote speech at the 2025 conference in Manchester where she emphasized the party's commitment to economic reform, including a new "golden rule" aimed at cutting taxes and government borrowing. She highlighted the historical contributions of the Jewish community to Manchester while condemning the recent attack on Heaton Park Synagogue as an assault on British values and humanity. Badenoch criticized opposition parties, accusing them of irresponsible promises that would lead to higher taxes and debt, positioning the Conservatives as the only party with a viable economic plan following their heavy defeat in the 2024 general election. She announced policies targeting immigration reduction and plans to leave the European Convention on Human Rights, signaling a tough stance on reform. Political commentators discussed whether Badenoch's speech was sufficient to quell internal party dissent and the potential impact of her proposal to abolish stamp duty on voter support. The speech and subsequent analysis reflect the Conservative Party's efforts to regain footing amid political challenges and rising public dissatisfaction.