Kemi Badenoch launched a new initiative for the Conservative Party on October 4, 2026, aimed at preparing the party for a possible election next year. Badenoch released a document outlining plans to return to traditional Conservative values, which she described as 'common sense'. She criticized Labour leader Andy Burnham's assertion that defense spending could be maintained without impacting social benefits, stating, 'there is no social security without national security'.
The Conservative Party's conference in Birmingham included announcements such as plans to build 50,000 new prison places and expand free childcare entitlements, with indications that inheritance tax might be eliminated. Badenoch affirmed the party's commitment to the pension triple lock, despite some calls to abandon it.
Badenoch emphasized that the previous Conservative government had strayed from its principles, leading to increased taxes and immigration, and a commitment to Net Zero without a clear implementation plan. She described her approach as 'Kemistry', a blend of traditional Conservative values.
In her speech, she asserted that the party could regain public support by focusing on key issues like the economy, law and order, and border control. She also criticized Burnham's leadership, suggesting that he lacked a coherent plan. Badenoch's document, titled The Right Way, critiques the past Conservative government's failures and draws parallels to Margaret Thatcher's earlier policies.
Badenoch stated that national security should be prioritized and that military spending must increase, with a commitment to raise it to 3% of GDP by 2030, primarily funded by cuts to welfare. She concluded that a return to foundational Conservative principles is essential for the party's future success.