A year on, Kemi Badenoch and the Tories look all at sea with Reform now the unofficial opposition

By Ismail Mulla

Last weekend marked one year since Kemi Badenoch became leader of the Conservative Party. Normally, such a milestone would call for celebration. Considering how deeply the Tories had fallen in the previous general election, one might expect that their fortunes could only improve.

Instead, Badenoch appears to have guided the party even further into political obscurity, where even rare glimpses of optimism quickly fade. It is, in a way, a remarkable accomplishment.

The struggle for leadership and direction

Badenoch took the reins following yet another exhausting leadership contest, one focused more on pleasing party members than engaging with the wider public. That same membership remains divided, further complicating efforts to present unity and purpose.

Since assuming leadership, Badenoch has launched what she described as a new policy platform—one that bears a striking resemblance to previous Conservative agendas that failed to resonate with voters.

“I am rebuilding the Conservative Party,” Badenoch said.

Yet the foundations of this supposed rebuild already appear unstable. Despite their efforts, the Conservatives, as the official Opposition, have struggled to make significant headway against the Government.

A weak opposition against a faltering government

Issues like winter fuel payments, taxation on family farms, and mishandled welfare reforms have all provided potential lines of attack. However, these opportunities seem less the result of strong Conservative strategy and more of the Government’s own blunders.

It would be difficult to credit any Conservative gains to Badenoch’s skillful leadership. Rather, it seems that Sir Keir Starmer’s Government has stumbled repeatedly, making itself an easy target.

In the end, it looks less like a Conservative resurgence and more like a weary opponent accidentally striking lucky blows in a disorganized fight.

Author’s summary

Kemi Badenoch’s first year as Tory leader highlights a deep crisis of vision and unity within her party, as she fails to turn government missteps into a true Conservative revival.

Yorkshire Post — 2025-11-09