OPINION

Visits from space aliens

— Kemi Badenoch’s delayed Scotland visit exposed Conservative woes, as she patronised voters while pushing right-wing rhetoric. With Labour also shifting right, the political landscape grows increasingly detached from compassion, empathy, and public priorities.

UK Politics

Kemi Badenoch claims there was ‘no plan’ for Net Zero. So why did she champion it in government?

— Kemi Badenoch has shifted her stance on net zero, once championing it in government but now opposing it as Tory leader. Critics call her opportunistic, aligning with right-wing populists over climate science.

UK Politics

Kemi Badenoch’s views on inequality should worry Black Britons

— Kemi Badenoch champions anti-woke conservatism over systemic inequality reforms, but her policies largely avoid addressing systemic racial disparities affecting Black Britons.

Long-Read

The limits and limitations of post-Brexit choices

— Chris Grey critiques Trump’s victory and Brexit’s deepening incoherence, highlighting Labour’s state-driven budget as a shift from neo-liberalism. Yet, Brexit’s financial toll limits Britain’s capacity to navigate these challenges.

Climate Change

What Kemi Badenoch means for the UK’s fragile consensus on climate change

— Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s scepticism toward net zero targets signals a shift, emphasising pragmatism and economic caution. Her ambivalence on climate policy suggests potential divisive strategies targeting Reform voters.

COMMENT

Nigeria isn’t cheering its female ‘Trump’ export to the UK

— A Nigerian talk show panel criticised British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for her disparaging views on Nigeria and its culture, questioning her empathy towards her heritage and community.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Kemi Badenoch chosen as new Tory Leader amidst post-election turmoil

— Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the Conservative Party, takes over from Rishi Sunak after their disastrous electoral defeat. With her culture war ideology and controversial views, she pledges yet another attempt at renewal to regain public support.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Kemi Badenoch’s stance on Net Zero sparks controversy in Tory Leadership race

— Kemi Badenoch’s scepticism over the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target has sparked debate in the Conservative Party. She questions its feasibility, suggesting an adaptation-focused approach, potentially reshaping Tory climate policy.

UK Politics

Why the Tories may be wasting their time trying to compete with Reform

— The Reform Party did not significantly undermine the Conservative vote in the last general election. In fact, both parties drew support from different demographic groups and were electoral allies rather than rivals.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Tory MPs have accidentally knocked out their own man – and reminded voters why they lost the last election

— The Conservatives’ leadership ballot has unexpectedly ousted favourite James Cleverly, leaving right-wing candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick in contention. This outcome underscores party disunity and risks alienating centrist voters.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Can Kemi Badenoch claim to have ‘become working class’ while working in McDonald’s – and why would she want to?

— Tory MP Kemi Badenoch recently sparked debate by claiming she “became working class” while working at McDonald’s – despite her middle-class roots, seemingly to resonate with working-class voters and reflect Britain’s shifting class perceptions.

UK Politics

What Tory leadership candidates should learn from the mistakes of Boris Johnson – and Silvio Berlusconi

— The Conservative leadership candidates face challenges akin to those of Silvio Berlusconi and Boris Johnson, whose media-driven, populist approaches ultimately yielded limited progress and lasting controversy.

Conservative Party

The Tories who are fit to serve have no wish to do so – Why the party conference should have been a moment to reflect on that

— The Conservative Party’s annual conference saw hopeful leadership contenders, despite past failures and internal divisions. While invoking past leaders like David Cameron, who once advocated modernisation, today’s focus remains immigration, with little “compassionate conservatism” in sight.

UK Politics

Kemi Badenoch questions maternity pay – Here’s what new mothers are actually entitled to

— Kemi Badenoch’s comments on UK maternity pay sparked debate, with critics highlighting its relative inadequacy compared to European standards. UK parental leave offers low, flat-rate payments and minimal gender equality outcomes.

UK Politics

Tory leadership contenders would be wise to become the ‘heir to Keir’

— They are already tacking to the right but the six Tory leadership contenders would be better off copying Keir Starmer’s playbook.

OPINION

We’re all extremists now

— Rishi Sunak tasks Michael Gove to broaden the UK’s extremism definition, potentially encompassing independence campaigners. The move sparks concerns about stifling dissent and targeting groups critical of the government.