Sam Badenoch is truest, bluest Conservative

KEMI Badenoch showed at her party conference why a deal with Reform would be utterly mad for both sides.

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The Conservative chief has faced constant speculation over her leadership skills since the start — and her low-key style has only fuelled the criticism. But her main speech reminded members why they elected her in the first place — she is a Conservative to her core.

Axing stamp duty, paying down the country’s debts, encouraging personal responsibility, believing work is not only necessary but good for people: these are all key Tory values. Reform is evolving into a completely different party. Immigration is top of its list of issues, a concern shared by Badenoch’s party. But economically, they are poles apart.

Reform wants the two-child benefit cap to be lifted so large families are not penalised. It is less hostile to a big, costly state and a high welfare bill.