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The News Agents

Badenoch vs Jenrick: the battle for the soul of the Tory party

Oct 25, 2024
Kemi Badenoch, outspoken MP and engineering whiz, and Robert Jenrick, former Housing Secretary, dive deep into the Conservative Party's leadership contest. They discuss the urgent need for a leader amid political turmoil and their visions for the party's future. Badenoch shares her unique insights shaped by her Nigerian roots, while Jenrick reflects on grassroots movements influencing party dynamics. Together, they explore the internal struggles following major electoral defeats and the ever-shifting landscape of Tory politics.
39:52

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The leadership contest between Badenoch and Jenrick highlights a significant ideological shift within the Conservative Party towards right-wing politics.
  • Badenoch's unique background and reformist stance resonate with grassroots members, while Jenrick's evolution mirrors a broader alignment with conservative sentiments.

Deep dives

Conservative Leadership Dynamics

The current Conservative leadership contest is marked by a notable shift to the right, with candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick representing a new wave of right-wing politics not typically seen in the party’s recent history. Historically, contests often saw one moderate and one right-leaning candidate, but this scenario features two candidates from the right, which has been well-received by the party's grassroots members. The frustration among One Nation Tories and centrist figures is palpable, as the leadership choice reflects the membership's desire for a more conservative direction, diverging from past moderations embodied by leaders like Rishi Sunak. The political maneuvering and selection processes leading up to this point have culminated in a highly polarized environment within the Conservative Party, indicating a shift towards a more ideologically defined leadership.

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