Kemi Badenoch, the UK Conservative Party leader, has addressed internal criticisms following the party’s significant losses in the May 2025 local elections.
The Conservatives lost control of 13 councils and over 600 seats, with their national vote share dropping to 15%, placing them behind Reform UK, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats. Badenoch described the results as “very disappointing” but affirmed her commitment to leading a revival, despite acknowledging the journey would be painful and challenging .
In response to suggestions that replacing her as leader would benefit the party, Badenoch warned that such actions would not resolve the underlying issues. She emphasized that the “endless tossing out of leaders” has damaged the party’s brand and that unity is essential for recovery. Badenoch stated, “If we get this wrong, there’s not going to be a party” .
Despite internal unrest, Badenoch remains focused on rebuilding the party’s credibility and preparing for future elections. She has acknowledged the need for thoughtful conservatism and has rejected adopting populist tactics, emphasizing the importance of clear plans and principles over quick fixes .
As the Conservative Party navigates this challenging period, Badenoch’s leadership faces scrutiny, but she continues to advocate for a measured and principled approach to regain public trust and political stability.