Kemi Badenoch after 100 days: A work in progress and her Farage problem

Kemi Badenoch’s First 100 Days as Conservative Party Leader: A Mixed Bag of Challenges and Criticism

Kemi Badenoch has just reached her 100th day as the leader of the Conservative Party, a milestone that comes with mixed reviews rather than widespread celebration. Since her victory in the Tory leadership race on November 2nd, where she defeated Robert Jenrick, the sentiment around her leadership has been more cautious than triumphant. Badenoch’s campaign promise of renewal has yet to materialize into tangible progress, leaving many to view her tenure as a work in progress. With the party still reeling from its poor performance in the last general election, which left the Tories with just 121 MPs, the pressure on Badenoch to deliver is immense.

However, her first major policy announcement, unveiled in late January, has been met with a mix of criticism and skepticism. The policy focuses on cracking down on immigrants’ right to remain in the UK, a move seen as both a response to internal party pressures and an attempt to counter the growing influence of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. Reform UK’s recent surge in a Sky News/YouGov poll, where it topped the rankings for the first time, has sent shockwaves through the Tory ranks. This has left Badenoch not only battling internal dissent but also fending off external threats from a resurgent rival party.

Struggles in Prime Minister’s Questions and Media Presence

Badenoch’s performance in Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) has been under scrutiny, with many critics arguing that she has yet to land a significant blow on Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. While her debut PMQs saw her attempt to capitalize on President Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. midterm elections, her subsequent appearances have been inconsistent. Her scattergun approach to questioning, jumping from one topic to another without focusing on a single issue, has drawn criticism from both opponents and allies alike. This lack of a coherent strategy has left many questioning her effectiveness in holding the government to account.

Compounding her challenges is her perceived invisibility in the media. Insiders claim that Badenoch “hates doing media” and often delegates media appearances to her shadow cabinet colleagues. When she has faced the media, such as in a major policy speech in January, her forthright criticism of her own party’s recent record in government has alienated some Tory MPs. Her sharp words about former leaders like Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Rishi Sunak have not gone down well, with many feeling that her approach is too abrasive and counterproductive.

Internal Party Tensions and External Threats

The internal tensions within the Conservative Party have been further exacerbated by the behavior of Badenoch’s defeated leadership rival, Robert Jenrick. Jenrick has been accused of acting as if he is still campaigning for the top job, with his repeated refusal to rule out a potential pact with Nigel Farage and Reform UK causing friction. Badenoch has emphatically rejected any such alliance, but the continued speculation has only added to the sense of uncertainty and division within the party.

Moreover, the threat posed by Nigel Farage and Reform UK cannot be understated. Farage’s charisma, media savvy, and relentless activism have allowed him to outperform Badenoch as an opposition leader. His ability to tap into public discontent and his willingness to embrace modern platforms like TikTok have made him a formidable opponent. With Reform UK now claiming over 200,000 members, the pressure on Badenoch to stem the tide of defections and rebuild her party’s morale is growing by the day.

A Rocky Road Ahead for Kemi Badenoch

As Kemi Badenoch approaches the end of her first 100 days as Conservative Party leader, the road ahead looks fraught with challenges. Her leadership style, while forthright and unapologetic, has yet to inspire confidence either within her party or among the wider electorate. The continued criticism of her media absence, her struggles in PMQs, and her abrasive approach to internal party management all point to a leader still finding her feet in a highly demanding role.

Despite these setbacks, Badenoch remains defiant and determined to steer the Conservative Party back to its former glory. However, with internal party tensions, external threats from Reform UK, and the constant scrutiny of her performance, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether she can turn the tide and lead the Tories back to power. For now, her tenure remains a work in progress, with the jury still out on whether she has what it takes to restore her party’s fortunes.