Leadership Swap Won’t Save the Tories, Says Badenoch
WafricNews | May 4, 2025
UK Politics - Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has dismissed the notion that swapping leaders can resolve the party’s deepening crisis, following a devastating loss in local elections across England.
After the Tories shed 674 council seats and lost control of 16 local authorities, Badenoch admitted her party had a “bad night” while Reform UK surged, securing 10 councils and 677 councillors. Despite this political earthquake, Badenoch rejected calls for her resignation and urged for patience over what she called a "long-term fix."
“Changing leaders again won’t be a magic solution,” Badenoch told the BBC. “We tried that before, and it ended in historic defeat.”
Appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Badenoch acknowledged widespread voter frustration but said the Conservatives are committed to a “slow and steady” rebuild. “We’re not going to make promises we can’t deliver just to win votes,” she said, calling for a focus on credible, realistic policies over short-term popularity.
Speculation swirled around Reform UK leader Nigel Farage possibly becoming a future prime minister. While Badenoch conceded “anything is feasible” in politics, she warned Farage lacked concrete answers to Britain’s complex challenges. “It’s my job to make sure that doesn’t happen,” she said.
Badenoch, who assumed leadership after last year’s electoral wipeout, is now facing internal pressure. Former council leader Jason Smithers publicly called for her resignation, but others, like Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick, continue to back her leadership.
The local election fallout has rocked both major parties. The Lib Dems also made significant gains—adding 163 seats and taking control of three councils, including a surprise victory in Shropshire. The Green Party saw modest progress, with 44 new seats, though it fell short in the West of England mayoral contest.
Projections by the BBC show the Conservatives slumping to just 15% of the national vote share—its worst-ever in such estimates—falling behind even the Liberal Democrats at 17%. Labour also underperformed, polling at just 20%, matching its lowest level since 2009.
Labour’s Wes Streeting acknowledged public dissatisfaction, asking voters for more time to deliver change, while defending tough decisions made in government. “Some of our policies are unpopular, but they’re necessary,” he argued, citing improvements in NHS waiting times.
Lib Dem leader Ed Davey seized on the political vacuum, branding his party the new “voice of Middle England.” He warned about Farage’s rhetoric on climate policy and special education cuts, vowing to challenge Reform UK head-on.
Green co-leader Adrian Ramsay admitted the party is still growing but called on voters to help build an alternative. “If people want different politics, they need to back us—not just at the ballot box, but by becoming part of our movement,” he said.
As the dust settles from these elections, the message from voters is clear: disillusionment is deep, and change won't come from the top alone.
By WafricNews Desk.
By WafricNews Desk.
Comment
To post a comment, you have to login first
LoginNo Comments Yet...