Tory opposition to Kemi Badenoch's leadership is futile, she asserted, confident in her methodical approach; however, she conceded that Nigel Farage could potentially become Prime Minister.
Kemi Badenoch Digs In, Disregards Calls for Resignation After Disastrous Local Election Outcome
In the aftermath of the Conservative Party's cringeworthy showing at the local elections, Kemi Badenoch remains unfazed by calls for her resignation.
The Tories were hammered, shedding over 600 councillors and control of all 15 councils they previously governed – one of the worst performances in the party's history.
Reform UK rode the waves, surging in support as the Conservatives found themselves squeezed between Nigel Farage's party and Sir Ed Davey's Liberal Democrats in numerous areas.
Former leader of North Northamptonshire Council, which the Tories surrendered to Reform, is among those urging Mrs Badenoch to step down as party leader. However, she remains steadfast in her stance.
"It's a slow and steady plan to revive the party," she said, acknowledging "bumps" along the way but expressing confidence in her approach.
While she suggested Reform's success was a result of protest voting, driven by a sense of frustration with the larger parties, she also pointed to the tumultuous nature of British politics. She remains optimistic that the Conservatives can reclaim power at the next general election.
Despite her confidence, Mrs Badenoch did not rule out the possibility of Mr Farage becoming the next prime minister.
Kemi Badenoch expressed determination to get her party back in government. "We’re working on a plan," she declared.
The election results were reminiscent of Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer's disastrous showing in 2021 local elections, which preceded his the landslide general election victory last July. "Four years ago Keir Starmer had his worst result, he is Prime Minister now with a landslide majority," Mrs Badenoch stated.
Jason Smithers, ex-leader of North Northamptonshire Council, is set to demand Mrs Badenoch's resignation when they meet. However, Mrs Badenoch dismissed the notion that the Tory losses were solely her responsibility, attributing the collapse in support to a 14-year trajectory.
The record-breaking results for Reform UK, which seized control of 10 councils, were labeled a "Reform-quake" by Nigel Farage. Reform also claimed mayoralties in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire, and won theRuncorn and Helsby by-election.
When asked if she thought Mr Farage could become prime minister, Mrs Badenoch conceded, "Anything is feasible." She vowed to ensure that he does not ascend to the role, citing his lack of answers to the country's pressing issues.
- Kemi Badenoch remains firm in her position despite calls for her resignation following the Conservative Party's poor showing in the local elections.
- The Conservative Party, under Badenoch's leadership, lost over 600 councillors and control of all 15 councils they previously governed.
- Reform UK saw a surge in support during the elections, with many voters expressing frustration with the larger parties.
- The Conservative's defeat in North Northamptonshire Council has prompted calls from former leader, Jason Smithers, for Badenoch to step down as party leader, which she has dismissed.
- Badenoch remains optimistic that the Conservatives can reclaim power at the next general election, likening her situation to that of Sir Keir Starmer in 2021 who went on to win a landslide majority.
- Nigel Farage's Reform UK saw record-breaking results, capturing 10 councils, mayoralities in Greater Lincolnshire and Hull and East Yorkshire, and the Runcorn and Helsby by-election.
- Despite acknowledging that anything could happen in politics, Badenoch has vowed to prevent Nigel Farage from becoming prime minister due to his lack of answers to pressing issues.
- Badenoch's political responsibilities extend beyond local elections, encompassing areas such as war-and-conflicts policy-and-legislation, car-accidents, crime-and-justice, accidents, and fires, which are all components of general news.
