The Conservative Party conferences of the past were vibrant events filled with ministers, MPs, lobbyists, and members. Fast forward just over a year from their significant defeat, and the upcoming Tory gathering in Manchester, taking place from 5-8 October, is expected to be a more subdued affair.
Despite the recent loss, last year’s conference was far from quiet, serving as a platform for the selection of a new leader to replace Rishi Sunak. A month later, Kemi Badenoch was elected as leader, marking a year since the disappointing result and almost a year of Ms. Badenoch’s leadership.
Throughout the conference, a series of policy announcements are anticipated, starting with a bold commitment to establish an ICE-style «removals force» to address illegal immigration in the UK, following her pledge to withdraw from the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).
«Stronger borders» and «stronger economy» are the two key themes of the conference, slogans that will be prominently displayed on banners at the venue. This initiative is part of Badenoch’s efforts to regain ground in the polls as Nigel Farage’s party maintains a lead in national polls.
Just three weeks before this year’s conference, one of Badenoch’s ministers, Danny Kruger, became the first serving Tory MP to defect to Reform. This move follows defections by eleven former Conservative cabinet members, ministers, and MPs to Reform earlier this year. Despite these challenges, Badenoch has dismissed the defections, accusing the defectors of evading problem-solving.
The threat posed by Reform, which has been leading in the polls, loomed large over the Lib Dem and Labour conferences. As the conference approaches, there is uncertainty about whether Badenoch will prioritize addressing Reform in her speeches.
In addition to the traditional end-of-conference speech, Badenoch will deliver an additional speech outlining the party’s new strategy to tackle illegal migration. The conference will also be overshadowed by a High Court ruling requiring a PPE company linked to Tory peer Baroness Michelle Mone to repay £122 million to the government for breaching a contract during the COVID pandemic.
Criticism of Badenoch’s leadership style has emerged, initially due to her limited media engagements. She defended this approach by citing the party’s financial challenges when she assumed leadership.
Despite her efforts, the party remains divided, as illustrated by poor election results in the May 2025 local elections. Recent polling data indicates a decline in support for Badenoch among Conservative voters, with a growing number of party members calling for her to step down.
As the conference approaches, Badenoch faces the opportunity to rally support from members and MPs. Shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who lost the leadership race to Badenoch, has been vocal about his ambition to replace her, but Badenoch has dismissed his attempts as recycling her ideas.
In the lead-up to the conference, former Conservative Prime Minister Baroness Theresa May publicly criticized Badenoch for her pledge to replace the UK’s Climate Change Act. May expressed deep disappointment in this shift in strategy, warning against reversing efforts to combat climate change.
The Tory conference presents an opportunity for Badenoch to revitalize her leadership, but she will need to work on garnering support from MPs and remaining Tory members to fulfill her promise of rejuvenating the party and preparing for future governance.
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