Kemi Badenoch admits Tories face tough road ahead while promising fight to restore party values in Wales

In a speech that captured the determination and grit needed for a political comeback, Kemi Badenoch promised that the Conservative Party isn’t done yet.

Speaking at the Welsh Conservative conference, she compared her mission to that of Ronald Reagan, who famously led the Republicans out of a difficult period decades ago.

A Tough Road Ahead but Not a Lost Cause

Badenoch didn’t shy away from admitting the challenges ahead.

“It’s going to be a hell of a job,” she told the audience. But she was clear that the Conservatives shouldn’t be counted out.

Despite recent setbacks, she insisted the party’s core values are still powerful and worth fighting for.

Politics Is Changing Around the World

Badenoch pointed out how politics globally is shifting, with volatility becoming the new norm.

She highlighted the recent unexpected election defeats of right-wing parties in countries like Canada and Australia as examples.

She believes this turbulence reflects bigger changes in voter priorities.

Identity Politics Outshining Economic Debate

One major change she identified was the growing importance of the ‘politics of identity’ in voters’ minds — an area where groups like Reform UK and Plaid Cymru have been gaining traction.

According to Badenoch, this trend is a challenge for the Tories, who have traditionally focused more on economic issues.

Standing Firm on Conservative Values

Despite these challenges, Badenoch made it clear that the Conservative Party’s strength lies in its principles, not in simply telling people what they want to hear.

She reminded delegates that their party stands for patriotism, hard work, responsibility, and freedom — ideals that resonate deeply with many voters.

The Path Back Won’t Be Easy but It’s Worth It

Badenoch cautioned that the road to recovery will take time and will include setbacks.

But she urged her party members to keep faith. “Conservatism is worth fighting for,” she said passionately.

She called on them not to be discouraged by those who want to write the party off.

Drawing Strength from Ronald Reagan’s Legacy

To close her speech, Badenoch reached back to the wisdom of Ronald Reagan, quoting his famous 1976 Republican National Convention line: “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.”

Reagan’s example of bouncing back and winning the presidency in 1980 serves as a hopeful reminder for the Tories today.