Since succeeding Rishi Sunak in November 2024, Kemi Badenoch has had two jobs to perform. Firstly, her constitutional obligation as leader of the opposition, which she has fulfilled well. In parliament, depleted Tory ranks have been marshalled effectively, harrying successive Labour notables from office by tabling questions and demanding answers from, among others, Peter Mandelson and Morgan McSweeney. Her despatch box style has impressed – though, after the departure of Keir Starmer, aides concede that a tonal shift might be necessary for the ‘very different beast’ that is Andy Burnham.

Now, with her position secure, it is the second task to which she must turn: her role as leader of the Conservative party. Most Tory leaders have a strained relationship with their party. Some tolerate it, others mistrust it, a few end up despising it. Badenoch is rare in that she actually likes the party she leads. She proudly speaks of her ‘visceral love’ for her fellow Conservatives; many of her closest relationships began while climbing its ranks. She even met her husband, Hamish, when they were both south London party activists – though that didn’t stop her later kicking him off the candidates’ list.

Various caucuses have downed tools, heeding Badenoch’s plea for an end to factionalism

Various caucuses have downed tools, heeding Badenoch’s plea for an end to factionalism

The Conservative brand, though, is badly damaged after 14 years in office. So Badenoch’s team are focusing on boosting her up and her personal ratings have soared. The question now is how to translate Badenoch’s popularity into wider support for the Tories.

‘First change the party, then change the country,’ is the traditional advice given to opposition leaders. Rather than seeking a big public bust-up such as a clause........

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