A no-nonsense woman in her forties with a background in science emerges from the fringes of the party to become leader. Regarded by many as “difficult” and “abrasive”, this young mother believes self-discipline, hard work and an iron will are key to success. Supporters adore her for being a “fresh voice” amid the mediocrity of colleagues. She sets about redefining Conservatism.
It’s like 1975 all over again. Or is it? Time will tell whether Kemi Badenoch can delight and unite the Conservative faithful as Margaret Thatcher did, or whether she is just the next cab off the Tory leadership rank. The key to Badenoch’s success or failure will lie in part in whether she is able to emulate Thatcher’s brilliance at media management. So far, that appears unlikely.
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