Badenoch delivers speech on Tories’ future: ‘The Conservative Party is going in a new direction’

In a speech this morning Tory Leader Kemi Badenoch promised to lead a party “about the future, not the past” and – addressing Reform UK defections – ensure it is filled with “serious people, not drama queens”.

“It is 2026 and the world has changed. This is about the future and I am building a Conservative Party for the next decade and the next generation.”

On Rob Jenrick, Suella Braverman and Nadhim Zahawi’s defections, Badenoch branded them as “a tantrum dressed as politics,” adding: “I’m sorry you didn’t win the leadership contest, I’m sorry you didn’t get a job in the shadow cabinet, I’m sorry you didn’t get into the Lords.”

The Tory Leader said Reform were “pulling silly stunts and letting Labour off the hook”, accusing them of not being serious about fixing the country.