Conservative peer Ruth Davidson has stated that Kemi Badenoch will need to “pivot” and engage with a broader audience if she becomes the leader of the Tory party. Speaking on the Electoral Dysfunction podcast with Beth Rigby, Baroness Davidson highlighted the necessity for Badenoch, one of the final two candidates in the Conservative leadership contest, to reach beyond traditional Tory voters to rebuild the party.
Baroness Davidson criticised Badenoch for frequently appearing in media outlets like The Telegraph, the Daily Mail, the Daily Express, and GB News, which are perceived to have a high proportion of existing Conservative supporters. She suggested this choice indicates a “lack of confidence.”
Davidson emphasised that Badenoch must engage with a wider audience if she wins the leadership contest and must do so quickly. Davidson also noted that Badenoch, the former business secretary, appears to believe she is already in a winning position, which may explain her limited media appearances compared to her rival, Robert Jenrick.
‘Rebuilding trust through honesty & integrity’ says Ms Badenough
Just some of the many virtues that are Kryptonite to any true @Conservatives
Stick with cash, Kemi….that’s the only thing which truly unifies your party.#ToriesGone105 #CorruptTories #ToryLiars @KemiBadenoch pic.twitter.com/oeDMBuiYlY
— calum mackenzie (@calummack1961) October 17, 2024
Jenrick has been highly visible throughout the campaign, holding rallies, conducting TV and newspaper interviews, and maintaining a strong presence on social media. In contrast, Badenoch’s camp seems to believe that being less visible might work to her advantage, allowing people to project their own views onto her.
Davidson remarked that Jenrick seems to feel the need to increase his visibility to gain support. She suggested that Badenoch’s strategy of limited media engagement could be seen as both a sign of confidence in her lead and a concern that increased exposure might jeopardise it.
Davidson also revealed that she had voted for James Cleverly, the former home secretary and foreign secretary, who was eliminated from the contest last week amid accusations of vote lending. She predicted that Cleverly is likely to secure a position in the shadow cabinet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Who is Ruth Davidson?
Ruth Davidson is a Conservative peer and former leader of the Scottish Conservative Party.
What did Ruth Davidson say about Kemi Badenoch?
Davidson said Badenoch needs to engage with a broader audience if she becomes the Tory leader.
Why did Davidson criticise Badenoch’s media appearances?
Davidson criticised Badenoch for mainly appearing in media outlets with high Conservative support, indicating a ‘lack of confidence.’
How does Robert Jenrick’s campaign differ from Kemi Badenoch’s?
Jenrick has been highly visible, holding rallies and doing interviews, while Badenoch has been less visible.
Who did Ruth Davidson vote for in the leadership contest?
Davidson voted for James Cleverly, who was eliminated from the contest last week.