Politics Weekly UK Make-or-break week for Badenoch
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Oct 6, 2025 At the Conservative party conference, Kemi Badenoch faces a pivotal moment as she strives to rally support from her party. The atmosphere is tense following a recent synagogue attack, casting a shadow over the proceedings. The hosts discuss Badenoch's struggle with low recognition and her urgent need to define party policies, including controversial plans on immigration and protests. They also delve into political tensions from the government's stance on Palestine Action and the Greens' rising influence under new leadership.
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Conference Mood Dampened By Recent Attack
- The Manchester conference feels muted compared with last year because there's no leadership contest and the city is reeling from a recent synagogue attack.
- Kemi Badenoch addressed the attack and visited the synagogue, which has dampened the conference atmosphere.
Apathy, Not Active Unpopularity
- Polling shows the Conservative party at historic lows and Kemi Badenoch suffers from low public recognition rather than active dislike.
- John Curtice and others say apathy about who she is is the core problem, not simple unpopularity.
Urgency To Define The Party
- Badenoch appears to be acting urgently because she faces potential leadership pressure if she can't define the party and counter Reform UK.
- The Conservatives risk failing to clarify how they differ philosophically from Reform, undermining voters' reasons to switch back.