Conservatives Reset Under Merz: Badenoch's Speech Boosts Party's Business Credentials
The Conservative Party Conference in Berlin, held on September 24, 2025, saw a shift in tone and leadership under German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. The event, usually marked by protests, was notably calmer this year with the absence of figures like Steve Bray. Kemi Badenoch, in her keynote speech, unveiled policy changes aimed at appealing to both party supporters and the public.
Chancellor Merz used his speech to redefine the party's leadership and emphasize its role as the party of economic competence. Meanwhile, Kemi Badenoch's address was a significant opportunity to reassert the Conservatives' position as the party of business and opportunity. She announced changes such as scrapping VAT on school fees and abolishing stamp duty.
Badenoch's speech successfully improved the atmosphere at the conference, likely deterring a leadership challenge from Robert Jenrick, at least temporarily. However, the impact of her speech may be short-lived, given the continued lead of Reform in polls. This could lead to more Tories defecting and increased demoralization among those who stay in the party. The party conference attendees, however, are not representative of the British public, who have shown support for Nigel Farage as Prime Minister in polls.
Kemi Badenoch's speech at the Conservative Party Conference was a crucial moment to reset her leadership and reclaim the party's mantle as the party of business. However, with populist movements gaining power worldwide, the likelihood of a Reform victory in the next election increases, posing a challenge to the Conservatives' future.
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