Best of the Spectator The Edition: Kemi's fightback, the cult of Thatcher & debunking British myths
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Oct 2, 2025 Tim Shipman, Political Editor of The Spectator, shares insights from his interview with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, discussing her approach to reviving the Tory party amidst criticism. Philip Hensher, an author and academic, debates the relevance of Thatcher's legacy and how her principles might apply today. They explore the impact of British myths on politics, reviewing Graham Robb's work while highlighting how modern politicians often use history to shape narratives. The conversation is rich with humor and sharp analysis.
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Confidence After Stabilising The Party
- Kemi Badenoch presents strong confidence and defends her slow initial rollout as necessary to stabilise the party finances.
- Tim Shipman reports she framed leadership as turning a perilous, insolvent party into a solvent organisation.
Reform Is Siphoning Tory Support
- Reform party's momentum is eroding Conservative support, making internal recovery harder.
- Tim Shipman notes Reform gets disproportionate publicity and has pulled votes away from the Tories over the summer.
Stick To A Two-Strand Platform
- Focus messaging on a clear two-strand platform: stronger economy and stronger borders.
- Use conference speeches to lay out specific policy details and show competence in media interactions.
