Tonight, Conservative leadership candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick engaged in a debate on GB News, discussing various issues such as immigration, culture wars, and the European Court of Human Rights. Badenoch responded to criticism from a Tory MP regarding her ability to lead the party as a parent, emphasizing that parental responsibilities are not exclusive to women. She also addressed bullying allegations, stating that individuals spread lies about her to the Guardian because she removed troublesome individuals from her department.
During the debate, Badenoch positioned herself as an “engineer” capable of fixing the broken system and renewing the Tory party, urging for support from members. She highlighted the importance of principles in politics, contrasting technocratic language with clear convictions like those of Nigel Farage. In contrast, Jenrick criticized the government’s relinquishment of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands to benefit David Lammy’s social standing.
On the topic of immigration, Jenrick advocated for capping migration in the tens of thousands or lower, emphasizing the need for parliamentary action to ensure public trust. He proposed reallocating funds from the international aid budget to bolster the armed forces. Badenoch cautioned against using the European Court of Human Rights as a solution to migration control, stating that it is not a silver bullet and requires a comprehensive strategy.
During the debate, Badenoch stressed the need for reforms in the planning system and the importance of Conservative principles in addressing issues like net zero targets and greenbelt land development. She also addressed concerns about bullying allegations, highlighting her track record of delivering results and building trust among party members. Badenoch emphasized the need for consensus-building and team-building for the future of the party.
Overall, the debate provided insights into the leadership styles and policy approaches of the candidates, with Badenoch focusing on trust, principles, and consensus-building, while Jenrick emphasized immigration control, defense spending, and sovereignty issues. The audience response indicated a preference for Badenoch as Tory leader, highlighting her strong performance and clear convictions during the debate.
