Kemi Badenoch has faced criticism from fellow Tories for refusing to adjust the timing of the Tory leadership contest, which could have allowed the party to have a more impactful response to the budget. Some senior party members believe that this decision has led to a missed opportunity for the party to make a strong statement on an important day.
Sources close to Badenoch have stated that the timetable for the leadership contest was not up for negotiation when other candidates proposed a change earlier in the autumn. Most of her rivals were in favor of adjusting the timeline to enable them to respond to Rachel Reeves’ budget, but Badenoch stood firm on keeping the original dates in place.
According to one former minister, this was a crucial chance for the party to shine on a challenging day for the Labour party, and by not making any changes, the party appeared ineffective. Badenoch defended her position by stating that it was better for Rishi Sunak and Jeremy Hunt to lead the budget response due to their experience in the Treasury.
Despite criticisms from within the party, Badenoch’s campaign team maintains that she was not involved in setting the timetable for the leadership contest and declared her candidacy after the dates were already finalized. They argue that changing the date would have caused chaos and shortened the members’ stage of the contest.
Although some Tories have raised concerns about Badenoch’s economic experience and willingness to engage on economic matters, she remains confident in her decision to keep the original timeline for the leadership contest. She believes that Sunak and Hunt are better suited to respond to the budget, emphasizing the importance of utilizing all talents within the party.
The length of the leadership contest has been a point of contention within the party, with some members advocating for a shorter race to ensure a timely response to Labour and other pressing issues. However, the compromise on the November timeline was reached without considering the implications for the budget and the US election outcome.
Despite calls for a shorter contest, Badenoch and her team stand by their decision to maintain the original dates, citing the need for a stable and structured process. The focus remains on holding the Labour government accountable and delivering a robust response to their policies.
In conclusion, while Badenoch’s handling of the leadership contest timeline has sparked debates and criticisms within the party, she remains steadfast in her approach and believes that the current setup is the most appropriate given the circumstances. The party’s priority is to effectively respond to the budget and demonstrate unity and strength in the face of political challenges.
