Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has affirmed her commitment to improvement, asserting she is not averse to self-criticism. This follows shadow chancellor Mel Stride’s earlier defense of her performance at Prime Minister’s Questions, suggesting she would enhance her capabilities.
In a BBC interview, Badenoch stated, “You don’t want people to be the very best they’re going to be on day one.”
These comments followed a speech announcing a commission to investigate the potential withdrawal from various international agreements to address illegal immigration and streamline the deportation of foreign criminals.
Since last summer’s general election, the Conservatives have experienced a significant decline in support, falling behind Reform UK in recent polls. The party also suffered heavy losses in local elections, ceding hundreds of council seats to Nigel Farage’s party.
Badenoch’s performance at Prime Minister’s Questions and her measured approach to policy development have drawn criticism.
Responding to Stride’s comments, Badenoch told the BBC, “The people who have done this job before have all told me that the first day is not what the last day is going to be like. That every week is different, every week you’re learning. And that’s what you want, you want people who are going to get better.”
Acknowledging the party’s setbacks, including “some mistakes” and reaching “rock bottom” at the last election, Badenoch affirmed her commitment to leading the Conservatives into the next general election in four years’ time.
Earlier this week, Stride distanced the party from Liz Truss’s mini-budget, citing its damaging effect on economic credibility. The £45bn tax cut package, funded by borrowing, caused significant market turmoil, leading to Truss’s resignation after only 45 days.
When questioned about her failure to explicitly distance the party from Truss, Badenoch playfully expressed uncertainty about Truss’s current party membership, stating her focus was on national recovery, not individual politicians. A Truss spokesperson confirmed her continued affiliation with the Conservative Party.
Badenoch’s speech detailed her party’s approach to illegal immigration, unveiling a commission, led by Lord Wolfson, to assess the implications of withdrawing from international treaties, including the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
Badenoch cited the ECHR’s use as an obstacle to deporting illegal immigrants and foreign criminals, suggesting the UK might need to withdraw to regain control of its asylum system. However, she emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan and thorough understanding of potential consequences before committing to withdrawal.
The commission’s report is expected at the Conservative Party’s autumn conference. Badenoch indicated a willingness to abide by the commission’s findings, even if they advise against leaving the ECHR.
The decision to withdraw from the ECHR has been a contentious issue within the Conservative Party, with differing viewpoints previously expressed by Badenoch and her rivals. Since becoming leader, however, Badenoch’s stance has become more resolute.
The government recently announced upcoming legislation to clarify Parliament’s authority over border control and the application of the ECHR in immigration cases.
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