Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch is scheduled to speak at the party conference in Birmingham. Recent polling indicates that over four in 10 Britons believe she is performing well as Tory leader, while a third hold a differing view. This comes as polling suggests the Conservatives could re-establish themselves as Britain's primary right-wing political force.
Badenoch's policy proposals are now under increased scrutiny. Her plan for an air defence system, which she claims will protect the entire UK, its sovereign territories, and overseas bases, is budgeted at £10bn over 10 years. However, former British general Richard Barrons suggests such a system would cost more than £100bn.
Regarding climate policy, Badenoch has committed to repealing the Climate Change Act and has stated that achieving net zero by 2050 is "impossible" without bankrupting Britain. This position reportedly contradicts the government's statutory climate scientific advisers and her own previous statements as a Treasury minister in 2021, when she told parliament that it would cost less than 2% of GDP.
On the economy, Badenoch proposes welfare cuts totalling £23bn. She has also advocated for ending the ringfence for large banks, which separates retail and investment activities, and reducing their capital requirements.