In an opinion piece published across Nine newspapers, Brandis wrote that as the Coalition 'continues to argue with itself about how to deal with One Nation', Angus Taylor and his colleagues would benefit from watching Badenoch's address at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham last week. He noted that the Conservatives are slowly rising in opinion polls from a very low base, while Reform UK is beginning to slide as its leader Nigel Farage is 'almost daily tainted by new embarrassments and scandals'. Brandis described Badenoch's speech as leaving 'nobody wondering about how she plans to take the fight to Britain's equivalent of Pauline Hanson.' The article frames Badenoch's approach as a potential template for Australian conservatives facing a similar challenge from the populist right.
UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch hits back hard at Reform: Angus Taylor take note
George Brandis argues Badenoch's conference speech offers a model for the Coalition's approach to One Nation.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The Coalition's internal debate over how to handle One Nation has direct implications for federal election strategy and the future of conservative politics in Australia.
- A successful model in the UK for countering a populist insurgent party could influence Australian political tactics, particularly as both countries face similar political dynamics.
- The opinion piece, written by a former senior Coalition figure, signals that some within the conservative establishment favour a confrontational stance rather than accommodation with populist forces.
Background
George Brandis served as Australia's attorney-general (2013-2017) and later as high commissioner to the United Kingdom. He has observed British politics closely during and after his diplomatic posting. The Australian Coalition has been publicly divided over whether to preference One Nation or compete directly for its voters, especially in crucial regional and rural seats. In the UK, Reform UK (formerly the Brexit Party) has similarly drawn support away from the Conservatives, particularly since the party's strong showing in recent elections. Kemi Badenoch became Conservative leader after the party's heavy defeat to Labour and has sought to rebuild its electoral coalition.
Key Perspectives
Coalition leadership: Facing pressure from both One Nation and Labor, the Coalition must decide whether to isolate One Nation or seek to absorb its voters through policy alignment. Kemi Badenoch: Has taken a hard line against Reform UK, directly attacking its leader and offering a distinct conservative vision rather than trying to outflank the insurgent party. Critics of a confrontational approach: Some Coalition figures worry that attacking One Nation could alienate potential voters who lean populist, and prefer a softer strategy that avoids driving voters further to the minor party.
What to Watch
- Whether Angus Taylor or other Coalition leaders publicly reference Badenoch's approach in coming weeks.
- Opinion polling for One Nation and the Coalition, to see if the internal debate affects voter support.
- How Reform UK's polling trajectory in Britain evolves, as a potential indicator of whether Badenoch's strategy is succeeding.
Sources
- UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch hits back hard at Reform: Angus Taylor take note — Brisbane Times - Latest News
- UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch hits back hard at Reform: Angus Taylor take note — WA Today - Latest News
- UK Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch hits back hard at Reform: Angus Taylor take note — Sydney Morning Herald - Latest News