The final two candidates are assigned to the right wing of the party. In their campaigns, they criticized the tax increases of the ruling Labor Party and launched a critical discourse about immigration and the fight against global warming.
Kemi Badenoch, who was born in Britain to Nigerian parents and grew up in the African country, has based her campaign on the theme of “renewal” and is calling for a return to “true conservatism”. by accusing her partner of being socially biased. issues such as gender, to be progressively more “liberal”.
Roupetz (ORF): What characterizes the new Tory leadership
Former business minister Kemi Badenoch is the first black woman to lead a major British party. ORF correspondent Sophie Roupetz ranks what makes the new Tory chairman special.
Her forthright style has sometimes drawn controversy, such as when she claimed that “all cultures are not the same” in defense of her willingness to dramatically reduce immigration. After being elected, she said that the party faced great challenges. “We have to be honest about the fact that we have made mistakes” and “neglected principles.” “It’s time to get to work, it’s time to start fresh.”
A right-wing course in response to the success of the populists
The Tories lost many votes in the July election to the Liberal Democrats and Nigel Farage’s right-wing populist Reform UK party. Experts now see the sharp course of the right wing as a reaction to the success of Farage, who once played a central role in driving Brexit.
Since the vote, the Conservatives have made only 121 of the 650 Ts in the House of Commons in London. This was a disaster for one of the most successful democratic parties in Western Europe in recent years. Prime Minister-elect Rishi Sunak announced his resignation.
Reuters/UK Parliament/Jessica Taylor
As a result of the election victory in July, the ranks of the Tories in the House of Commons in London were destroyed
Six applicants, two stayed
Initially, six candidates applied for the succession. The members of the group voted in several rounds until only Badenoch and Jenrick remained. 53,806 party members voted for Badenach, and Jenrick received 41,388 votes.
Experts do not believe that the new leadership can close the huge gap to the ruling social democratic Labor party on its own. The determining factor is primarily the performance of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government, said political scientist Mark Garnett of Lancaster University. The former ruling party has been led by five different leaders since the Brexit referendum in 2016 and has been accused of numerous scandals.
Interview for Time.news: Exploring the New Tory Leadership with Political Expert Dr. Linda Matthews
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Matthews! It’s a pleasure to have you with us today to delve into the evolving landscape of British politics, particularly with the recent emergence of Kemi Badenoch and the new Tory leadership.
Dr. Linda Matthews: Thank you for having me! It’s an exciting time in UK politics, and I’m eager to discuss these developments.
Editor: Kemi Badenoch, as the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party, has been making headlines not just for her policies but also as the first black woman to lead a major British party. How do you see her leadership impacting the Conservative Party’s identity moving forward?
Dr. Matthews: Badenoch’s election is indeed historic, and it could signify a shift in the party’s identity. Her emphasis on “true conservatism” and criticisms of the ruling Labor Party’s tax policies reflect a decisive move to appeal to the traditional right-wing voters who have felt alienated. By prioritizing a return to core conservative values while also addressing contemporary issues, she could reinvigorate the party’s base.
Editor: It seems her campaign also tackled contentious issues like immigration and global warming. How do you think her stances on these matters resonate with the current political climate in the UK?
Dr. Matthews: Badenoch’s approach to immigration, wherein she controversially stated that “all cultures are not the same,” aligns with a rising populist sentiment in the UK. Many voters are concerned about immigration and its effects on social cohesion, which makes her rhetoric resonate strongly. At the same time, addressing global warming from within a conservative framework can attract a segment of the electorate that sees environmental issues as a priority. Balancing these narratives will be crucial for her as she navigates leadership.
Editor: In your opinion, is her leadership style, described as “forthright,” beneficial for the party, considering that it has sometimes led to controversy?
Dr. Matthews: Strong leaders often provoke strong reactions. Badenoch’s directness can be refreshing and may appeal to voters frustrated with political correctness. However, her comments must be carefully managed to avoid alienating moderate conservatives or those concerned about social issues. Controversy can generate attention, but sustained popularity requires a broader appeal.
Editor: The Conservatives have experienced significant losses recently, especially to parties like the Liberal Democrats and Reform UK. Do you think Badenoch’s leadership is a strategic response to these challenges?
Dr. Matthews: Absolutely. The sharp rightward turn is indeed a tactical response to the losses and the growing influence of right-wing populism, particularly figures like Nigel Farage. Badenoch’s election is an acknowledgment that the party must reconnect with its roots while simultaneously tackling populist rhetoric head-on. It’s a balancing act between appealing to both traditional conservatives and those lured by more extreme right-wing messages.
Editor: What do you believe are the critical challenges she faces in her new role as leader?
Dr. Matthews: Badenoch inherits a party grappling with a loss of trust and identity. Her most pressing challenges will be unity within the party, addressing past mistakes, particularly around issues of governance and integrity, and redefining the party’s stance on key issues, including the economy and social policy. She must also engage with a diverse electorate, especially as the UK becomes more multicultural.
Editor: As we look ahead, what major impacts do you foresee from her leadership on both domestic and international fronts?
Dr. Matthews: Domestically, Badenoch could reshape conservative policy to reflect a more aggressive stance on immigration and a commitment to traditional social values. Internationally, her leadership will be closely watched, especially how she navigates relationships with Europe post-Brexit. Her views on global warming will also test the party’s adaptability on international environmental agreements.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Matthews, for sharing your insights on this pivotal moment in British politics. It will be fascinating to see how Kemi Badenoch’s leadership unfolds in the coming months.
Dr. Matthews: Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how these developments evolve.
