In the face of mounting challenges and political headwinds, Kemi Badenoch isn’t backing down.
Instead, she’s channeling the spirit of one of conservatism’s most iconic figures—Ronald Reagan—urging her party to regroup, refocus, and rise again.
At the Welsh Conservative conference, the Tory leader didn’t sugarcoat the reality of the party’s current situation.
But rather than painting a bleak picture, she delivered a defiant message filled with grit, passion, and a belief that the Conservative Party still has a strong future ahead.
Admitting the Struggle, But Rejecting Defeat
Badenoch openly acknowledged what many in the room were already thinking—the road back to political power is going to be tough.
“It’s a hell of a job,” she admitted, addressing the party faithful.
But she was quick to add that the Tories should not be written off, not now, not ever.
She emphasized that while recent elections in countries like Canada and Australia have shown how unpredictable politics can be, it’s not the end of the story.
Right-wing parties around the world might be facing setbacks, but that doesn’t mean the core values they represent have lost their relevance.
Fighting for Principles, Not Popularity
In a world where identity politics is often trumping traditional economic concerns, Badenoch pointed out that parties like Reform UK and Plaid Cymru have managed to tap into something different—an emotional appeal that seems to resonate with certain voters.
Still, she drew a firm line between those movements and her own.
“We are a party based on values,” she declared. “We don’t just tell people what they think they want to hear.”
Her message was clear: Conservatism must be about more than chasing votes—it has to stand on solid ground.
A Rallying Cry for Core Conservative Values
Badenoch didn’t hold back in defending the fundamental principles she believes the party must continue to uphold: patriotism, personal responsibility, hard work, and freedom.
These, she insisted, are the pillars worth fighting for—even when the going gets tough.
“The path back will take time,” she admitted. “There will be setbacks.
But I am here to remind you that conservatism is worth fighting for.” Her words weren’t just meant to reassure—they were meant to inspire.
Quoting Reagan to Reinforce the Message
To drive home her point, Badenoch closed with a powerful quote from Ronald Reagan—words he delivered at a pivotal moment for the U.S. Republican Party in 1976.
She reminded the audience: “We may be fewer in number than we’ve ever been, but we are the ones who carry the message that they are waiting for, and there is no substitute for victory.”
It wasn’t just a history lesson. It was a challenge.
A reminder that political comebacks are possible—even likely—when a movement remembers who it is and what it stands for.
Looking to the Future with Determination
Just as Reagan went on to achieve a landslide presidential victory in 1980, Badenoch suggested the Tories can also reclaim their place in the political spotlight—if they stay true to their convictions and keep their focus on the bigger picture.
As the party begins charting its path forward, one thing is clear: Kemi Badenoch is ready for the long game, and she wants her party to believe that victory isn’t just a dream—it’s a destination.