Kemi Badenoch on Conservative Strategy Ahead of May Local Elections
Kemi Badenoch has declined to confirm if the Conservative Party will win the upcoming local elections in May, stating she intends to fight for every vote. She described success not simply as victory but as the Conservatives being viewed as competent and credible enough to undertake the difficult work required by the country.
Badenoch made these remarks in a London speech where she also criticized government plans aimed at addressing child poverty. She acknowledged the evolving landscape of local elections, which now includes emerging parties such as Reform, and urged voters to recognize the benefits the Conservative Party offers.
A recent YouGov poll places the Tories at 18%, down one point, ranking them third behind Reform and Labour, with the Greens close behind. Badenoch did not rate the party's current performance, emphasizing that the public will make that judgment. She affirmed that the Conservatives will put forward an offer and actively contest every vote.
The May elections will cover local councils, the Welsh Senedd, and the Scottish Parliament, representing a critical period for Badenoch and Labour leader Keir Starmer. She also reflected on the party's historic defeats in 2024, highlighting that the Conservatives lost more seats than at any time in their 200-year history, indicating a challenging path ahead.
