Kemi Badenoch is scheduled to deliver a significant address at 11 am, marking the conclusion of a lackluster four-day Conservative Party conference in Manchester. Throughout the conference, the Tories have emphasized a robust economy and secure borders as key focal points.
During her speech on Wednesday, Conservative leader Badenoch will emphasize economic matters, introducing a “golden rule” stipulating that half of all savings from budget cuts must be allocated to reducing the deficit, while the remaining half will be dedicated to either expenditure or tax reductions to stimulate economic growth.
Despite efforts to highlight economic priorities, the party faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its past fiscal management, particularly concerning Liz Truss’s controversial budget decisions. A senior Tory member sought to downplay the repercussions of Truss’s policies, dismissing suggestions that the economy still suffers from their effects as “nonsense.”
In a separate development, opposition leader Keir Starmer criticized Robert Jenrick, a prominent Conservative figure, implying that Jenrick’s recent comments indicate a continued pursuit of leadership aspirations. Jenrick, who previously lost a leadership bid to Kemi Badenoch, faced backlash for his remarks about diversity during a visit to Birmingham.
Additionally, Conservative Party chairman Kevin Hollinrake defended Badenoch’s leadership amidst rumors of internal dissent among shadow ministers, dismissing such speculations as commonplace within political circles. Hollinrake also acknowledged past shortcomings of the party, suggesting a need for a firmer stance on welfare policies to promote individual responsibility.
Leaks exposing Jenrick’s controversial statements from his Birmingham visit dominated conference coverage, with the Shadow Justice Secretary facing criticism for his remarks and policy proposals resembling those of former US President Donald Trump. Badenoch’s upcoming speech is anticipated to focus on economic issues, contrasting the party’s approach with the perceived shortcomings of rivals in managing the deficit and ensuring fiscal sustainability.