Kemi Badenoch Addresses Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch arrived for the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham on October 3, 2026, where supporters greeted her with cheers, the BBC reported. Speaking as she arrived at the venue, Badenoch declared that the Conservatives are now a new political party. [1][3]

According to the Guardian, Badenoch returned to the annual conference in a significantly stronger position than a year earlier, as her personal approval ratings and support for her party have gradually increased. The Guardian reported that one year ago Conservative members of Parliament were bracing for a potential leadership contest to remove her, while party support had fallen to historic lows of 14 to 16 percent in opinion polls. [2]

The Guardian also reported that Badenoch has asserted her style and authority over the party, though significant political challenges remain ahead for her leadership. Meanwhile, ITVX reported that Badenoch stated that the Conservative Party does not accept responsibility for water pollution affecting the South West region. [2][5]

Badenoch has served as Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2024, after previously working in Cabinet positions under Prime Ministers Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak from 2022 to 2024. She has also served as the Member of Parliament for North West Essex, previously Saffron Walden, since 2017. The Conservative Party currently forms His Majesty's Most Loyal Opposition after losing the 2024 general election to the Labour Party. [6][7]