Kemi Badenoch remains steadfast in her commitment amid Tory defections seeking attention from Nigel Farage, aiming to revitalize her party’s standing. Sarah Atherton, a former Defence Minister, became the latest Tory to join Reform UK, marking the 18th defection, following MP Danny Kruger’s move last month.
The upcoming Conservative conference in Manchester is overshadowed by concerns over poor poll ratings and defections to Reform. Badenoch anticipates potential distractions from Farage during the conference but downplays the impact of Tories switching sides, highlighting past movements to the Labour party.
Despite mounting pressure, Badenoch focuses on rebuilding the party after facing financial risks post the general election defeat. She emphasizes the need for unity and perseverance to navigate through challenging times and emerge stronger. Polling data reveals skepticism about the Tories’ future influence, with varying opinions on Badenoch’s leadership performance.
In a recent interview gaffe on BBC News NI, Badenoch mistakenly claimed Northern Ireland voted to leave the EU, contradicting the region’s actual majority vote to remain in 2016. Acknowledging the error, she clarified the situation, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach for Northern Ireland’s benefit.