Best of the Spectator Coffee House Shots: is 2026 Kemi's year?
Jan 6, 2026
Paul Goodman, a Conservative peer and former editor of ConservativeHome, shares insights on Kemi Badenoch's recent political performance. William Atkinson, a Spectator writer, highlights her improved media skills and PMQ effectiveness while cautioning about potential long-term brand damage. Lara Brown, fellow commentator, points out that despite Kemi's growth, the party faces deeper issues influencing polling. The panel debates whether recent improvements lessen the case for leadership change before upcoming local elections.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Recovery In Personal Ratings Has Limits
- Kemi Badenoch's personal ratings have recovered and she now enjoys doing PMQs, which helps her leadership image.
- Despite that recovery, the Conservative vote is stuck around 17–20%, showing limited upside from leadership alone.
Performance Gains Versus Party Fortunes
- Improved performances (PMQs, conference speech) have made Kemi appear more competent and human to voters.
- But the party remains third and any gains are more because Reform has faltered than Tory resurgence.
Communications Don't Fix Brand Problems
- Stronger communications and policy moves haven't translated into broader polling recovery for the Conservatives.
- Lara Brown warns that this suggests a deeper brand problem beyond the leader's competence.