A “battle for the soul of the nation” is approaching, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch will say as she closes her party’s conference later, claiming only the Tories can deliver a stronger economy, reports BritPanorama.
Badenoch is expected to warn that “something is going to break” without better growth, accusing Labour leader Andy Burnham of presiding over a “tax doom loop that is making us all poorer.” Her speech aims to invigorate the Conservative Party, which currently trails both Labour and Reform UK in opinion polls.
In her address, Badenoch intends to articulate her vision for the party, suggesting if there were a hung parliament at the next election, she would prefer to “fight two general elections in quick succession” rather than form a coalition with Nigel Farage’s Reform UK.
Deputy Tory leader Alex Burghart confirmed earlier that Badenoch wants to consider abolishing inheritance tax but emphasized the necessity of economic feasibility before any commitment. Discussion around major tax cuts, including national insurance reductions for younger workers and the elimination of the mansion tax, will also be part of the agenda at this conference.
The backdrop to Badenoch’s assertions lies in the Tories’ shift away from previous focuses on culture wars, redirecting their attention to economic matters that they believe could appeal to voters. The upcoming election will be critical for establishing the party’s direction amid a challenging political climate.
As the Conservative Party navigates this pivotal moment, the emphasis will be on whether the proposed measures resonate with constituents who may feel lost in the shifting political landscape.
