Kemi Badenoch remains steadfast amidst defections within the Tory party. She refuses to be swayed by those seeking attention from Nigel Farage, focusing instead on revitalizing the party’s standing. The latest blow came as former Defence Minister Sarah Atherton became the 18th ex-Tory to join Reform UK, following the recent defection of sitting MP Danny Kruger to Farage’s camp.
The upcoming Conservative conference in Manchester is marred by internal discord over declining poll numbers and a series of defections. Badenoch anticipates potential distractions orchestrated by Farage during the conference but downplays the significance of Tory members defecting to Reform.
Addressing the situation, Badenoch highlighted historical instances of defections to the Labour party, emphasizing the need for unity among those who share the Conservatives’ beliefs. Pressure mounts on Badenoch following a challenging first year in leadership, with Reform gaining traction among right-wing voters. Despite the hurdles, she remains focused on rebuilding the party, which faced financial jeopardy post the general election defeat.
Acknowledging the tough road ahead, Badenoch emphasizes the necessity of perseverance and resilience, stating that quick fixes are not the solution. Recent polling by YouGov indicates doubts among voters regarding the Tory party’s future, with a significant portion expressing dissatisfaction with Badenoch’s leadership.
In a recent misstep during a TV interview, Badenoch made a Brexit-related error by incorrectly stating that Northern Ireland voted to leave the EU, contrary to the reality where the region voted to remain. She later corrected her statement, acknowledging the actual stance of Northern Irish voters and the subsequent settlement reached.
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