Tories are united behind Badenoch, but MPs want focus on economy over culture wars to win back voters

Tories are united behind Kemi Badenoch, but some MPs want her to focus on the economy rather than culture wars to win back voters. At the Conservative party conference, Badenoch was asked who she would choose between Robert Jenrick or Suella Braverman and responded with her direct manner – "Why do you keep offering me these? It's like asking if I'd rather be shot or drowned."

The unity among Tories is partly due to their common enemy: defectors, and the departure of Robert Jenrick, who was ousted from the party. Jenrick's presence still haunts some shadow ministers who expressed relief at his departure. Badenoch's strength as a leader, the yearning for stability, and the threat of Reform UK to the party's right have contributed to this unity.

Tory MPs also realize that voters don't favor the party's frequent leadership changes, with five leaders in the past eight years. While Reform leader Nigel Farage believes his party will recover, some Tory MPs are confident his party has peaked. They suggest that Badenoch should focus more on the economy to win over centrist voters, rather than engaging in culture wars. Her shadow chancellor, Andrew Griffith, helps with the party's credibility, and MPs say Badenoch is moving towards emphasizing the economy.

Badenoch currently polls ahead of her party, which protects her from much internal criticism. However, two years after her election, the Tories are still polling lower than they did in 2024 following their general election defeat. To improve their standing, the party needs to gain three or four points in the polls. Despite the spectre of a possible snap general election, Badenoch remains confident but her lieutenants express concern.