Kemi Badenoch chose a venue steeped in wartime history to deliver a political broadside that echoed through the corridors of Westminster. Standing in the very room at Church House where Winston Churchill announced the sinking of the Bismarck to a relocated House of Commons in 1941, the Conservative leader launched her own torpedoes at multiple political targets.
A Churchillian Setting for Political Combat
The Hoare Memorial Hall at Church House provided a symbolic backdrop for Badenoch's address, with a plaque noting the room's use by Parliament during the Blitz years. The historical resonance was unmistakable as she took to the lectern just after 10am, adopting a conversational yet pointed tone to address recent political turbulence.
Targeting Reform Defectors and Tory 'Has-Beens'
Badenoch reserved particular scorn for Conservative defectors to Reform UK, dismissing them as 'drama queens' who had thrown 'tantrums'. 'When my kids have a tantrum, I don't give up or change my mind. I send them to their room,' she declared, accompanying her words with a brisk pointing gesture that left little room for misinterpretation.
Her criticism extended to what she termed 'relics' of the David Cameron and Theresa May era, suggesting they were political 'has-beens' whose time had passed. While acknowledging Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves might listen to their economic ideas, Badenoch made clear that on key policies including Europe, Net Zero and immigration, they could effectively 'hop it'.
A Different Style of Political Communication
Observers noted Badenoch's distinctive speaking style throughout the address. Her delivery was throaty, smoky and sardonic, more reminiscent of a jazz bar performer than a traditional political orator. Unlike Nigel Farage's projection or typical podium-pounding politicians, she maintained a calm, almost conversational tone throughout.
'It's as if she's constantly about to say 'Yeah, right!'' one observer noted of her delivery style. Her manner was compared to an emergency rescue officer calmly instructing victims how to escape a dangerous situation - if they would just follow her lead.
Political Context and Audience Reaction
The speech came on a Wednesday morning when Prime Minister's Questions preparation was unnecessary due to Sir Keir Starmer's trip to Beijing. Instead, Badenoch used the opportunity to address a surprisingly large gathering that required opening an upstairs gallery to accommodate MPs, activists and reporters.
The audience composition reflected Badenoch's political positioning - serious, sober and unsexy compared to the chic poshness of Cameron's era or the red-trousered vehemence of the Boris Johnson years. Despite recent defections and Reform's continued polling advantage, the mood among her supporters remained notably upbeat.
When a journalist asked whether she should do more to win back defectors, the audience responded with cries of 'No! No!' - suggesting strong loyalty to Badenoch's leadership approach.
Broader Political Criticisms
Badenoch didn't limit her criticisms to internal Conservative matters. She accused Labour ministers of 'scheming' to dump Sir Keir Starmer while dismissing Reform UK's activities as mere television-seeking behaviour, particularly criticising what she called 'a defection rally dressed up as a veterans' event'.
'The public is fed up with this style of politics,' she asserted, positioning herself as offering a different approach. Despite acknowledging that Reform 'kicks the Tories in the kidneys' whenever she makes headway against the Starmer government, she insisted: 'I'm not going to be blown off course.'
Political Positioning and Future Prospects
Badenoch's relaxed confidence throughout the speech prompted one observer to remark that 'you feel she must be eating a jumbo pile of marijuana cookies for breakfast every day' given her laid-back assurance. Her style contrasted sharply with what was described as 'No 10's constipated potato, Reform's frenetic whipper-uppers and the Lib Dems' Norman Wisdom'.
The Conservative leader emphasised her focus on 'the future, not the past', suggesting that if she can maintain her course to the general election, she may prove a formidable campaigner. Her distinctive approach - neither traditional Tory nor reactionary populist - represents an attempt to carve out new political territory.
Meanwhile, the actual Prime Minister's Questions session saw David Lammy facing shadow business secretary Andrew Griffith in what was described as a confrontation between 'two bald duds', suggesting Badenoch's morning speech may have been the day's more significant political event.
