UK Politics

Secrets from the throne: Queen’s quiet dismay at Boris Johnson’s leadership

— New revelations expose former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s contentious relationship with Queen Elizabeth II regarding the prorogation of Parliament in 2019 and his handling of constitutional matters during his time in Downing Street.

Climate Change

What Kemi Badenoch means for the UK’s fragile consensus on climate change

— Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch’s scepticism toward net zero targets signals a shift, emphasising pragmatism and economic caution. Her ambivalence on climate policy suggests potential divisive strategies targeting Reform voters.

COMMENT

Nigeria isn’t cheering its female ‘Trump’ export to the UK

— A Nigerian talk show panel criticised British Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch for her disparaging views on Nigeria and its culture, questioning her empathy towards her heritage and community.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Kemi Badenoch chosen as new Tory Leader amidst post-election turmoil

— Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the Conservative Party, takes over from Rishi Sunak after their disastrous electoral defeat. With her culture war ideology and controversial views, she pledges yet another attempt at renewal to regain public support.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Kemi Badenoch’s stance on Net Zero sparks controversy in Tory Leadership race

— Kemi Badenoch’s scepticism over the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target has sparked debate in the Conservative Party. She questions its feasibility, suggesting an adaptation-focused approach, potentially reshaping Tory climate policy.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Robert Jenrick endorsed by notorious climate science deniers

— Tory leadership candidate Robert Jenrick has pledged to repeal the UK’s Climate Change Act, drawing support from a group of climate science deniers who claim “there is no greenhouse effect”. This move threatens mainstream political relevance amid public demand for climate action.

UK Politics

Why the Tories may be wasting their time trying to compete with Reform

— The Reform Party did not significantly undermine the Conservative vote in the last general election. In fact, both parties drew support from different demographic groups and were electoral allies rather than rivals.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Tory MPs have accidentally knocked out their own man – and reminded voters why they lost the last election

— The Conservatives’ leadership ballot has unexpectedly ousted favourite James Cleverly, leaving right-wing candidates Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick in contention. This outcome underscores party disunity and risks alienating centrist voters.

National Security

Climate emergencies threaten our collective security, but governments are flying blind into the storm

— The UK COVID-19 inquiry reveals the previous Conservative government underestimated non-malicious threats like pandemics and climate change. Experts urge placing climate change at the heart of national security plans.

Conservative Leadership Contest

Can Kemi Badenoch claim to have ‘become working class’ while working in McDonald’s – and why would she want to?

— Tory MP Kemi Badenoch recently sparked debate by claiming she “became working class” while working at McDonald’s – despite her middle-class roots, seemingly to resonate with working-class voters and reflect Britain’s shifting class perceptions.

UK Politics

What Tory leadership candidates should learn from the mistakes of Boris Johnson – and Silvio Berlusconi

— The Conservative leadership candidates face challenges akin to those of Silvio Berlusconi and Boris Johnson, whose media-driven, populist approaches ultimately yielded limited progress and lasting controversy.

Right-Wing Media

Michael Gove, Spectator editor: The long relationship between Westminster and the media

— Michael Gove, ex-Tory MP, will soon edit The Spectator, reinforcing its right-wing conservative stance under new owner Sir Paul Marshall. This move underscores enduring press-politics links in British media.

Conservative Party

The Tories who are fit to serve have no wish to do so – Why the party conference should have been a moment to reflect on that

— The Conservative Party’s annual conference saw hopeful leadership contenders, despite past failures and internal divisions. While invoking past leaders like David Cameron, who once advocated modernisation, today’s focus remains immigration, with little “compassionate conservatism” in sight.

UK Politics

Dominic Grieve questions Robert Jenrick’s fitness for office over misinformation

— Dominic Grieve has sharply criticised Robert Jenrick’s video on the European Convention on Human Rights, accusing him of misleading the public, misrepresenting legal principles, and promoting dangerous rhetoric that should disqualify him from high office.

UK Politics

Kemi Badenoch questions maternity pay – Here’s what new mothers are actually entitled to

— Kemi Badenoch’s comments on UK maternity pay sparked debate, with critics highlighting its relative inadequacy compared to European standards. UK parental leave offers low, flat-rate payments and minimal gender equality outcomes.

UK Politics

Why Rachel Reeves can’t seem to make her ‘£22bn black hole’ narrative convincing

— Rachel Reeves, as chancellor, faced backlash for accusing former chancellor Jeremy Hunt of lying about UK finances. Labour aims to challenge the Conservative Party’s long-standing economic credibility, but struggles to shift entrenched narratives.