Battle for the Tory Crown: Can Badenoch or Jenrick Save the Party from Itself?

Keir Starmer's First 100 Days: A Rocky Start to a Promising Journey?

Well, it’s now been over 100 days (102 to be exact) since Sir Keir Starmer took the reins as Prime Minister, and if we’re measuring success by the satisfaction of the British public, he might want to invest in some sturdy boots—he's stepping into a political swamp. While one might have expected a grand unveiling of his government's achievements, we’ve instead been treated to a backstage pass of infighting and internal strife, reminiscent of a soap opera gone wrong.

Starmer's decision to shake up his top team, notably parting ways with chief of staff Sue Gray, raises eyebrows. While Gray has been a prominent figure, her tenure ended amid accusations of toxicity within the Downing Street crew. Enter Morgan McSweeney, who played a crucial role in Starmer’s election success. But can a political operator from the campaign trail effectively manage the labyrinthine corridors of power? If McSweeney can navigate this tricky landscape, he’ll deserve a medal—or at least a hearty pint.

Adding to the drama, Starmer's administration is grappling with pressing issues like the soaring cost of living and the struggling NHS. Meanwhile, the public is left wondering: where’s the government that promised to prioritise these very challenges? The economic outlook isn’t looking any better, and Starmer's attempts to regain momentum feel more like pushing a boulder uphill while juggling flaming torches.

Now, let’s take a moment to appreciate the historical context. Starmer’s first 100 days are often compared to Tony Blair’s heady beginnings. Blair’s early popularity painted a rosy picture that contrasts sharply with Starmer’s less-than-stellar approval ratings. The current administration faces an uphill battle, with grand promises clashing against a backdrop of economic hardship. And while Starmer’s team may have mismanaged the media narrative surrounding his first few months, there’s still a glimmer of hope—if they can pivot quickly and decisively, there’s a chance to turn this ship around.

So, as we look ahead, the next steps are crucial. The upcoming investment summit and budget will serve as litmus tests for Starmer's leadership. Will he sink or swim? Only time will tell, but for now, the British public remains on the edge of their seats, popcorn in hand, waiting for the next act in this political drama.

Battle for the Tory Crown: Can Badenoch or Jenrick Save the Party from Itself?

As the Conservative Party leadership contest heads into its final round, the race between Kemi Badenoch and Robert Jenrick has raised some eyebrows – and not just from the Labour benches, who are gleefully watching the Tories scramble. With James Cleverly shockingly knocked out after leading in earlier polls, the choice for Tory members now boils down to two right-leaning candidates who, let’s be honest, might not be the unifying force the party so desperately needs.

Both Badenoch, the fiery former business secretary, and Jenrick, the polished ex-Home Office minister, have adopted a distinctly tough-talking stance to woo back the quarter of 2019 Tory voters who fled to Reform UK. Badenoch has branded her campaign "Renewal 2030" – essentially promising to return to the mythical "core Conservative values" that we hear so much about. Her message? Principles first, policies later. Jenrick, on the other hand, has come armed with a more detailed manifesto, taking aim at immigration, housing, and Labour’s climate agenda.

But here’s the rub: neither Badenoch nor Jenrick are exactly household names. Polls show that most Brits couldn’t pick either of them out of a line-up, which leaves Tory members voting on a hunch – or a hope. Not exactly the kind of confidence boost needed to steer the party back from its worst-ever election defeat.

There are deeper concerns brewing within the Tory ranks too. Some are already comparing this contest to the ill-fated tenure of Iain Duncan Smith, who was unceremoniously dumped before he ever made it to a general election. The whispers are that neither Badenoch nor Jenrick has the gravitas (or perhaps the luck) to last until 2029. In fact, rumblings from inside Cleverly and Tugendhat’s camps suggest they’re betting on another leadership contest in just 18 months. Nothing like a good old-fashioned game of political musical chairs.

And while both Badenoch and Jenrick have courted the right of the party, many moderates are nervous. Jenrick has doubled down on his pledge to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights, much to the alarm of centrists. Badenoch’s unapologetic stance on cultural issues, meanwhile, has made her a darling of the anti-woke crowd – but could alienate more mainstream voters.

In short, whoever wins will inherit a party that’s fractious, uncertain, and still reeling from its last electoral bruising. Both candidates promise a return to conservative roots, but with the scars of Partygate and Liz Truss’s economic debacle still fresh, it’s clear that no amount of nostalgia for "true" conservatism will be enough to win back the public’s trust. The real question is whether either Badenoch or Jenrick can prevent the Conservative Party from imploding further. Stay tuned.