Conservative leader, Kemi Badenoch has said centrist ideas are no longer welcome in the party, warning that those uncomfortable with her rightward direction should get out of the way.
Speaking in Westminster, Badenoch set out her vision for the party following recent defections to Reform UK, dismissing critics and accusing some former colleagues of political “tantrums”.
She took aim at former shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick and others who have left the party, arguing they lack a credible plan to govern.
Badenoch also rejected the approach of Andy Street, the former West Midlands mayor, and Ruth Davidson, the former Scottish Conservative leader, who have launched Prosper UK, a group aimed at centrist and centre-right voters. While she said she welcomed any effort to help the party win elections, she insisted it must align with her leadership agenda.
“I’m the leader of the Conservative party,” she said, adding that those pushing ideas outside the platform she was elected on were not being helpful. She made clear that her leadership marks a decisive shift, centred on cutting immigration, opposing net zero policies, reducing social security spending and lowering taxes.
In her speech, Badenoch said the Conservatives must become a “truly Conservative party” and stressed she would not apologise if centrists chose to leave. “We only want Conservatives,” she said, adding that the party was focused on the future rather than returning to past political eras.
Her comments are likely to unsettle moderate Conservatives, particularly after the party lost dozens of seats to the Liberal Democrats at the last election. Lib Dem deputy leader Daisy Cooper said Badenoch’s remarks sent a clear message that moderate voters were no longer wanted.
A Prosper UK spokesperson said the group welcomed Badenoch’s focus on growth but would continue engaging voters concerned about issues such as the cost of living, jobs and housing.
Despite internal unease, Badenoch’s speech was warmly received by many MPs and party members, especially her sharp criticism of defectors to Reform, which she described as “a tantrum dressed up as politics”.
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