Kemi Badenoch Urges Conservatives to ‘Hold Their Nerve’ Amid Party Turmoil

As the Conservative Party Conference opened in Manchester, UK Prime Minister Kemi Badenoch delivered a defiant message to her critics and supporters alike: “Hold your nerve, I will deliver.” Her statement came at a pivotal moment for her leadership, as the party continues to grapple with poor poll numbers and growing internal discontent following a string of electoral setbacks earlier in the year.

Badenoch acknowledged that the road ahead for the Conservatives would be challenging but insisted the party could recover within a single parliamentary term. She urged colleagues to stay united, emphasising that divisions within the ranks only strengthen the opposition. Her message sought to project resilience and reassurance — an attempt to steady the ship as calls for policy clarity and stronger direction have intensified.

Behind closed doors, party insiders said Kemi Badenoch’s focus is on re-energising grassroots members and preventing defections to rival right-wing movements. Her appeal for patience, according to senior aides, reflects a strategic effort to buy time as her government unveils a series of bold reforms aimed at reclaiming voter trust.

A Tougher Line on Immigration and Sovereignty

At the heart of Kemi Badenoch’s new policy blueprint is a sweeping plan to overhaul the United Kingdom’s immigration and human rights framework. She announced the creation of a dedicated “Removals Force” — inspired by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency — that would aim to deport up to 150,000 individuals annually who are residing in the country unlawfully.

The initiative is part of a broader £1.6 billion expansion of border enforcement powers. Badenoch has also signalled her intention to withdraw Britain from the European Convention on Human Rights and repeal the Human Rights Act, arguing that these international frameworks have hampered national control over immigration decisions.

Her proposals include restrictions on legal aid, limits on judicial review, and a reduction in appeal rights for those facing deportation. Critics, however, warn that such measures could spark legal and diplomatic challenges, particularly concerning Northern Ireland’s existing rights protections under the Good Friday Agreement.

Kemi Badenoch defended her position, stating that the government’s “duty is to the British people first,” framing the policy as a matter of sovereignty and national integrity. Supporters hailed it as a defining step toward reasserting control over borders, while opponents questioned its practicality and potential international repercussions.

Reclaiming Conservative Identity

In her broader address, Badenoch drew sharp contrasts with Labour and Reform UK, accusing both of promoting division through identity politics. She positioned herself as a unifying conservative voice, rejecting “politics of grievance” and promising to restore confidence in traditional values such as law, order, and personal responsibility.

The prime minister’s rhetoric reflected an effort to reframe the Conservative Party’s identity as one rooted in strength, stability, and accountability — themes that resonate strongly with disillusioned core voters. Yet, her strategy also risks alienating centrist members and moderate voters, many of whom remain sceptical of the government’s hardline stance on immigration.

Despite these tensions, Kemi Badenoch appears determined to push ahead. She has called for discipline within the party and made clear that her leadership is about long-term results rather than short-term popularity. As the conference concluded, her message to colleagues was unequivocal — stay the course, trust the process, and allow her time to deliver the transformation she has promised.

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