Kemi Badenoch attempts to revive Conservative support with inheritance tax pledge
Kemi Badenoch is attempting to recapture a moment in recent Tory history which spurred her party on to what at the time seemed to be an unlikely election victory, reports BritPanorama.
In her speech at the Conservative Party conference, Badenoch evoked the 2007 announcement by then-shadow chancellor George Osborne, who triggered a political shift by proposing to raise the inheritance tax threshold. This move was significant enough to deter then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown from calling an early election.
Now, almost two decades later, Badenoch has echoed this strategy, promoting a cut to inheritance tax as part of her vision to reinvigorate a party currently polling at around 20%, placing them third behind Labour and Reform UK. The Tories claim that with rising housing prices, the number of people affected by inheritance tax could rise from one in five to 16%.
She suggested lifting family homes from the inheritance tax bracket altogether and making the first £1 million of assets tax-free. This proposal aims to resonate with constituents in London and the South East, regions where the Conservatives have faced increasing competition from Labour and the Liberal Democrats.
However, this strategy may not address concerns in regions such as East Anglia or the North of England, where Reform UK has gained traction. Critics within the party argue that the focus on inheritance tax benefits primarily the affluent, while broader tax cuts that could appeal to the working class are being overlooked.
In addition, Badenoch addressed multiple issues beyond taxation, including the rise of racism and the need for greater prison capacity in Britain’s overcrowded jails. Her unequivocal stance against forming a united front with Reform UK was clear; she referred to them as a party “measuring the curtains” for prison cells rather than plotting political strategy.
Badenoch’s firm statement, “for those people who say unite the right, I say not with them,” was directed toward party members who have suggested collaboration with the right-wing party. This included references to Jacob Rees-Mogg and other influential figures advocating for such alliances.
Contrasting her approach with that of Labour leader Andy Burnham, she sought to project confidence to the public while addressing scepticism about a Tory government. Burnham’s recent speech, noted for catering to Labour activists, highlighted the differing demands facing the two leaders.
Ultimately, Badenoch’s performance at the conference indicated an effort to solidify her role as a determined leader focused on rekindling Conservative values. Her calls for a return to a politics of aspiration resonate in a challenging environment for her party, particularly as they strive to regain public trust.
Polling trends suggest an uphill battle remains for the Conservatives, leaving questions about whether this strategy will effectively change their current trajectory.
