Kemi Badenoch, the newly instated leader of the Conservative Party, has expressed a strong commitment to self-improvement in her role, suggesting that she is determined to evolve as a leader. She emphasized her openness to self-criticism in an interview with the BBC, stating, “I’m going to get better” and referencing the fact that others have also shared similar sentiments about the expectations for leaders in their early stages. Badenoch firmly believes in the notion that leaders should not be expected to deliver peak performance right from their very first day in office. Her comments come against the backdrop of recent criticisms of the party’s performance in parliamentary sessions, particularly during Prime Minister’s Questions.
This dialogue on leadership performance follows a speech where Badenoch revealed her plans to launch a commission aimed at evaluating the potential for the UK to withdraw from various international agreements, especially those influencing immigration policy. She intends to explore whether this move could simplify the deportation process of foreign criminals and tackle illegal migration more effectively. Such a significant shift reflects the Conservative Party’s urgent need to regain public confidence following a period of evident decline in support, marked by the party’s poor showing in local elections and a historical defeat in the last general election.
The context of Badenoch’s efforts is significant. Last summer’s general election resulted in the Conservative Party suffering what has been described as its worst defeat in parliamentary history, which has since sparked a crisis in public confidence towards the party. Recent polls suggest that they have been overtaken by the Reform UK party, further deepening their troubles. In light of this, Badenoch finds herself contending not only with internal challenges but also with external pressures regarding her leadership capabilities.
Badenoch’s challenges were brought into sharper focus when she was questioned about her predecessor, Liz Truss, who faced intense scrutiny after her fiscal policies resulted in extreme market volatility during her brief tenure as Prime Minister. In response to Mel Stride’s recent defense of her leadership, Badenoch highlighted the reality that every leader’s journey is a continuous learning process. She stated, “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,” emphasizing the importance of growth and experience.
Acknowledging past mistakes while reflecting on the party’s current standing, Badenoch admitted that the Conservatives had “hit rock bottom.” She reassured her party members that transformational changes are underway, though she cautioned that these transitions will not occur overnight. Nonetheless, she reaffirmed her intention to lead the party into the next general election, which is scheduled for four years down the line.
Badenoch has murmured her resolve to escape the political shadow of previous leadership missteps while aiming to refine her party’s stance regarding immigration. During her address, she initiated a review led by Lord Wolfson, tasked with evaluating the benefits and consequences of possibly leaving the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The ECHR has been a cornerstone of human rights legislation, yet Badenoch criticized its application, claiming that it has been misused to curb governmental authority over deportations.
Moreover, Badenoch has articulated a clear viewpoint indicating that the UK may indeed need to depart from the ECHR framework to achieve a more effective control over its immigration policies. However, she remains cautious and has said she will not rush into making a decision without a thorough understanding of possible consequences. With the Commission expected to report back during the Conservative Party’s annual conference, the party’s future direction concerning immigration policy is set to become pivotal in shaping public perception and support.
In summary, Kemi Badenoch is navigating a turbulent phase for the Conservative Party, marked by public scrutiny and stakes from both within and beyond her leadership. Her recent commitments and strategic discussions not only aim to restore confidence but also reflect a calculated and long-term vision for the party that emphasizes growth, adaptability, and renewed commitment to policy effectiveness.