Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has today declared that the Tories "are coming back" as she officially launched her party's campaign for the upcoming local elections. With contests scheduled for 7 May across the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Senedd, and numerous English councils, Badenoch struck a defiant tone, insisting her party is "fighting to win everywhere" under her new leadership.
A New Message for Voters
Speaking at a rally in London, Badenoch emphasised that the Conservatives have a "new message" for the electorate, positioning herself as a fresh start for the party. She pledged to "get Britain working again" and directly criticised the Labour Government, while also taking swipes at political rivals including Reform UK's Nigel Farage and Green leader Zack Polanski.
Policy Pledges and Economic Focus
Mrs Badenoch outlined several key policy commitments during her campaign launch. These include cutting the country's benefits bill, abolishing stamp duty, and reducing interest on student loans. She also highlighted her party's "cheap power plan" which would roll back green energy regulations and increase reliance on fossil fuels, a move she connected to the ongoing Iran crisis and rising oil and gas costs.
In a bid to support small businesses, the Tory leader reiterated a promise to abolish business rates bills of less than £110,000, specifically targeting relief for pubs, restaurants, and high street shops.
Direct Challenge to Political Rivals
"Seven weeks today, people up and down this country are going to be given a choice," Badenoch declared. "They can choose to vote for one of many parties in Britain telling them what's wrong with this country, parties who haven't bothered to do the work to solve any of your problems, parties who are going to put up your council tax."
In a pointed critique of her opponents, she added: "Some people want nationalised industry with Nigel Farage. Some people want more benefit spending with Labour. Some people want bigger boobs with Zack Polanski. Fine. We've got a better offer. We're for the people who want jobs and opportunities, who want society to judge people based on their merit."
Responding to Electoral Challenges
When questioned about potential losses in the May elections, with the Conservatives still polling below their 2024 general election performance, Badenoch remained resolute. "We are fighting to win everywhere because we can see what is happening when Conservatives disappeared," she stated.
"I'm not here to say that everything we did in government was perfect, but this is a new party under new leadership and we have got a new message for the country," she continued. "That's what we're focused on right now, that's what we're going to be taking to the country, that we're going to get Britain working again."
Dismissing Farage's Predictions
Addressing Nigel Farage's suggestion that May's elections could spell the end of the Conservative Party, Badenoch responded dismissively: "I don't care what Nigel Farage says. He can say whatever he likes - we have free speech in this country. I am here to deliver a message and that is the Conservative Party is coming back."
The local elections on 7 May are expected to present significant challenges for both Labour and the Conservatives as Britain's traditional main parties face growing competition from Reform UK and the Greens. Despite these headwinds, Badenoch's campaign launch positions the Tories as offering a distinct alternative focused on economic revival and merit-based opportunity.
