Janice R. Andrews
Kemi Badenoch Commands Tory Cabinet to Take on Labour
Kemi Badenoch, the newly appointed leader of the Conservative Party, urged her shadow cabinet to “take the fight to Labour” ahead of her first confrontation with Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer in the House of Commons. Badenoch, who recently emerged from a four-month leadership contest, emphasized the importance of holding the Labour government accountable and focusing on the future direction of the Conservative Party.
Badenoch has made it clear that she intends to lead with “Tory principles,” aiming to challenge the opposition on key issues such as immigration, crime, and energy policy. She expressed confidence that her approach would resonate with the public and reinvigorate the Conservative Party.
Philp Appointed Shadow Home Secretary
Among her key appointments, Badenoch selected former policing minister Chris Philp as shadow home secretary. Philp immediately took a hard line on Labour’s policies regarding crime and immigration, accusing the opposition of being “soft on crime and criminals.” He outlined his stance, calling for reductions in both legal and illegal migration and for removing individuals who do not have the right to stay in the UK, particularly criminals.
“We need to drastically cut legal migration, stop illegal entries into the UK, and deport those who do not belong here—especially criminals,” Philp declared, framing these policies as vital to national security and public safety.
Conservative Critique of Labour’s Energy and Economic Plans
Badenoch’s shadow cabinet members quickly rallied to her call for holding Labour to account. Claire Coutinho, the shadow energy secretary, launched a pointed attack on Ed Miliband’s push to decarbonize the UK’s electricity grid by 2030. Coutinho criticized the Labour plan as “wildly optimistic,” warning that it could lead to higher energy costs and potential shortages.
New shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins also slammed Labour’s economic policies, particularly their budget, which she argued would harm rural and coastal areas. “Labour’s Budget of broken promises will hurt rural and coastal Britain and shows they do not understand the pressures we face,” Atkins said, emphasizing the Conservative Party’s commitment to these areas.
Andrew Griffith, the shadow business secretary, added his voice to the criticism, accusing Labour of overburdening businesses instead of supporting them. “Britain’s businesses need a government that has their backs, not one that brings them down,” Griffith said, asserting that Labour’s policies would stifle growth and hurt innovation.
A Diverse and Talented Team
Badenoch’s shadow cabinet is a mix of experienced figures from various wings of the Conservative Party. Former leadership rival Robert Jenrick was appointed shadow justice secretary and immediately took aim at Labour’s policy on early prisoner releases. He called on Labour to apologize, stating, “The only group this Labour Government’s popularity has increased with is criminals.”
New shadow transport secretary Gareth Bacon criticized Labour’s approach to transportation, particularly their plans to expand Ulez (Ultra-Low Emission Zone), which he said unfairly impacts motorists. “Labour’s plans, whether it’s renationalizing railways or imposing excessive taxes on motorists, are poor,” Bacon remarked, positioning the Conservatives as defenders of fair taxation and motorists’ rights.
Badenoch expressed confidence in her shadow cabinet, saying, “Our team draws on the talents of people from across the Conservative Party, based on merit.” She emphasized that rebuilding the party and regaining public trust would require a collective effort. “We will now get to work holding Labour to account and rebuilding our party based on Conservative principles and values,” she declared.
Aiming for Victory in the Next Election
Badenoch has set ambitious goals for her leadership, telling Tory officials she believes the party can regain the public’s trust and win the next election. However, Sir Iain Duncan Smith, a seasoned Conservative, warned the shadow cabinet that opposition work is tough. “It’s hard work in opposition—you must keep going and seize your opportunities when they come,” he cautioned, reminding cabinet members that they would no longer have the support of civil servants as they did in government.
Sir Iain also pointed out that many of the shadow cabinet members, while experienced former ministers, would now have to rely on their own abilities and resources to navigate opposition.
With her leadership now in full swing, Badenoch’s clear instructions to her shadow cabinet signal a renewed Conservative effort to challenge Labour policies, reconnect with voters, and work toward a return to power.
