Speaking at the Conservative party conference on Wednesday, Badenoch said Reform UK supporters 'deserve better than Reform politicians'. She referred to them as 'our people', conceding that the party had failed to keep their trust. The remarks appeared to criticise Reform UK's stance on English identity, with Badenoch explicitly condemning the idea that black people cannot be English. The speech is part of the Conservatives' effort to win back voters who have defected to the right-wing party.
Badenoch condemns Reform UK over Englishness comments at Tory conference
Conservative leader tells Birmingham gathering that Reform supporters 'deserve better'
By LineZotpaper
Published
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Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch used her party conference speech in Birmingham to condemn Reform UK for suggesting that black people cannot be English, while acknowledging that many Reform supporters are Conservatives who have been let down by the party.
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Analysis
Why This Matters
- Badenoch's condemnation signals a direct challenge to Reform UK's growing influence over right-leaning voters.
- The debate over Englishness and national identity touches on broader questions of race and belonging in UK politics.
- The Conservative conference is a key moment for the party to define its strategy ahead of the next general election.
Background
The Conservatives have lost significant support to Reform UK, a party that has made controversial statements on national identity and immigration. Badenoch, the first black leader of the Conservative Party, has sought to differentiate her party from Reform's positions while acknowledging that many Reform voters are former Tories who feel abandoned.
Key Perspectives
Conservatives: Badenoch argues that Reform UK's views on Englishness are wrong and that voters should return to the Tories, who offer a more inclusive vision. Reform UK: The party has not yet responded to the speech but has previously defended its focus on English identity as a legitimate political position. Critics: Some may view the condemnation as a tactical move to win back voters rather than a principled stand, given the Conservatives' own record on immigration and identity issues.
What to Watch
- Reform UK's official response to Badenoch's remarks.
- Opinion polls measuring Conservative versus Reform UK support in the coming weeks.
- Further policy announcements from the Tory conference aimed at appealing to disaffected Reform voters.
Sources
- Kemi Badenoch condemns Reform UK in Conservative conference speech – video — UK news | The Guardian