Badenoch takes swipe at possible challenger Jenrick

Robert Jenrick's thoughts are just “my thoughts repackaged”, Kemi Badenoch has said in what appears to be a swipe at her main rival ahead of the Conservative Party conference in Manchester this weekend.

- MILLIE COOKE POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

It comes as the beleaguered Tory leader faces devastating approval ratings and a growing number of defections to Reform UK - with Mr Jenrick being seen as the frontrunner to replace her. Ms Badenoch has promised a “more fun than usual” party conference this year, with the promotion of open debates between party members on the stage.

"I think people should just speak freely, no matter what the consequences are. I don't mind people straying a little bit off piste," she told The Spectator. Asked about Mr Jenrick, who is generally very vocal with his own opinions, the Tory leader said: "Yes, but most of them are my thoughts repackaged".