Kemi Badenoch has cemented her image. Now she wants to put her party back on the big stage
The Conservative leader is expected to set out a return to core conservative principles at the party’s annual conference.
Kemi Badenoch is set to make her mark at the upcoming 2026 Conservative conference, where she will once again take the main stage at Birmingham's Symphony Hall. With her position secure in the party, Badenoch aims to put her political party back on the big stage. While she has made progress since taking her position, the party still faces a significant challenge in regaining trust and credibility.
Badenoch's conference agenda includes a proposed expansion of prison places and a new "tough love" approach for young people claiming benefits. The Conservatives are determined to emphasize the size of the welfare bill, citing financial and moral reasons. Badenoch aims to set out the party's core principles and strike a contrast with the Labour Party, which is still appealing to some voters. However, she remains cautious about potential risks of reverting to an alienating manner.
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