Farage is wrong on McDonald’s – Kemi Badenoch's leadership pitch

There are four remaining candidates hoping to become the next leader of the Conservative party. Kemi Badenoch is the Conservative MP for North West Essex previously serving as the Secretary of State for Business and Trade in the last government. In 2021, she was promoted to the role of Minister for Equalities, where she championed various initiatives aimed at promoting fairness and inclusion across society. Kemi speaks to The Spectator's political editor Katy Balls about why the party wasn't ready for a general election, how she proposes to tackle issues like net zero, free speech and immigration and why the smoking ban was the least Conservative policy of the past 14 years.

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[timwright]

What a fabulous candidate Kemi is. If she delivers on the truth she promises we will all be the better off for it.

[Gloria_Smess]

I love that the first thing she mentions is free speech and freedom of association. Her childhood in Nigeria gives her real insight and heartfelt convictions. These essential freedoms aren’t especially popular subjects, sadly: the only reason she brings them up is that she means it.
Additionally, she's great at the dispatch box.
I've never voted Tory in my life but I think I'd vote for Kemi PM.

[SuperMyfamily]

A really impressive individual, a breath of fresh air and exactly what this country needs! Good luck Kemi! 🤞

[mscargill]

This women is really impressive and smart. Intelligent and thorough thinking. Exciting too! Very much hope she becomes our next leader!

[powerje]

If Kemi wins, it will be really tempting for me to rejoin. She says the things I want to hear from a Tory leader.

[idiaidia]

Uk needs a bold, transformational, and sincere leader.

[patrickbowen]

For me to Vote Conservative again, it has to be Kemi or maybe Jenrick. But Labour would for sure fear Kemi a lot more.

[Sarara-mvsx]

I really like her. Tough and very smart.

[velurias]

Kemi should lead the Conservative Party and become PM

[rogmurf]

You speaks well and knowledgeable will make a great leader

[llengsuch]

I would trust Kemi Badenoche to turn things around. She actually has a plan, knows where she wants to go, how to get there, and what to expect on the way.

[ExileGilby]

She comes across so much more authentic than alot of the other world leaders. Anyone who cites Sowell and Scruton is off to a strong start.

[davidcole]

Potentially a game changer. Forensic, clear thinking, effective communicator and able to cut through the crap. Unlike Robert, she took control of the interview. Balls of steel. Points of concern: needs more grace and to rise above petty point scoring in parliament and in public. Too much of a know quantity and not a break from the past - think Thatcher, Blair and Cameron.

[monkeh]

I'd actually bother going out to vote if she gets elected leader.

[just_another]

seems like she actually thinks, not just soundbites

[DeanFlintstone]

The thing is Kemi we don't trust you or your party anymore, you may be sincere but your party is rotten to the core . The conservatives days are over for me.

[pb]

I hold my hands up! I first became aware of her name in a previous leadership context where she did very well. The cynic in me thought at the time that the Tories were strategically pushng her as a token minority to boost the image of the Party, with no real intention (or desire) of her becoming leader.
But having listened to her pitches and inverviews, I am really impressed by her and I can see why many Tory politicians are too. She seems to be the real deal! My only worry - She says all the right things but can she deliver?
That having been said - Surely she cannot do any worse than Liz or Rishi!

[red_star_MN]

she should do an interview with James O'Brien and run rings around him on live radio

[williambrookings]

That is the best answer to the question of assisted dying I have heard. We need to tread with extreme caution in that matter and learn from some of the controversies that have surrounded various aspects of palliative care in the UK and some of the worrying issues with MAID in Canada

[constancemasawi]

❤ I enjoy listening to Kemi's speeches 😊