Bad jokes, war stories and rehashed rhetoric: key takeaways from the Tory leadership speeches
1. Tom Tugendhat
Three key takeaways
Tugendhat’s speech was filled with references to his military experience to illustrate how he can “lead” – and not “manage”, as his rivals would – the Conservative fightback against Keir Starmer’s “bleak outlook”, which he says is already hurting the country.
He remains hopeful for the party’s future and thanked the membership for converting his anger and disappointment over the election results into optimism, leaving him determined. However, he insists the future is only bright if he can end “Westminster’s political games … petty point-scoring and self service”.
In a dig at some of his rivals, the former serviceman insisted illegal migration has soared “not because of foreign courts” but because of visas. Taking a less critical tone on the issue, he noted it can only be fixed by filling “the gaps in education and skills, in transport and in housing, so that we can recruit at home and not abroad”.
Most memorable quote
“I know what leadership really is. Before I stood for parliament, I was a soldier, I served our country and I faced our enemies. I know what leadership demands when everything else has been cut away and there’s nothing left. Character is what remains in Afghanistan and in Iraq … Leadership is not about empty promises … Leadership is about making choices that serve our country and our people best.”
Worst joke
“I will defeat Labour and lead us back to power in five years’ time. We all know that this country cannot afford Labour. You can’t afford Labour. I can’t afford Labour. Lord Alli can’t afford Labour.”
Delivery
Tugendhat had a slightly awkward start as he tried to get the audience going, saying, “good morning conference, let’s try that again” before leading into a low energy speech that attempted to distinguish him as a true leader but may have been too dreary to inspire members.
2. James Cleverly
Three key takeaways
Cleverly urged the membership to choose the candidate who already has the experience to do the job “from day one” and is not focused on being the leader but rather making tough decisions, repeatedly insisting “now is not the time for an apprentice”.
He used the difficulties he’s faced in life – growing up as a “mixed race kid in Lewisham” before failing to be sent to Baghdad or Basra in the reserves – to showcase his ability to help the Tories succeed by being “for stuff”.
He made good use of his speech to highlight his professional achievements, taking credit for many things including speedy candidate selections in the run-up to the 2019 general election and apparently being solely responsible for slashing immigration under Rishi Sunak’s regime.
Most memorable quote
“If you want a winner, choose one … and choose the candidate who Starmer, Farage and Davey fear the most, because I will not accept the status quo. I will not accept defeatism and I will not accept defeat.”
Worst joke
“They [Labour] are completely out of their depth, and we need to be ready and we need to hold them to account, not next year or in 2030 or after that but now. And we know the Lib Dems won’t do it. They’re too wet. In the case of Ed Davey, he’s soaking wet.”
Delivery
Cleverly stood out from the very start of his speech, opting against the awkward greetings favoured by his rivals and instead posing the big question of what the Tory party’s purpose was. He then issued a contrite apology to members on behalf of his parliamentary colleagues, for letting them down, exuding confidence throughout while telling a coherent story about his life and vision for the party.
3. Robert Jenrick
Three key takeaways
Jenrick said there were things to be proud of after 14 years of the Tories in government, but noted they failed to deliver the strong NHS, the strong economy and the strong border.
He vowed to end illegal migration and repeated his call for Britain to leave the ECHR under a new great reform act that will repeal Tony Blair’s Human Rights Act.
He also vowed to stand up for British culture, with references to the RAF choosing pilots based on race and gender and a classroom showing a cartoon of Muhammad.
Most memorable quote
“And the truth is this: if we are going to change this party to restore the trust and the confidence of the people, if we are going to tackle together the immense challenges our country faces. We are going to have to build something new – a new Conservative party.”
Worst joke?
Attacking Keir Starmer, Jenrick said: “Imagine how cowardly you’d have to be to rob poor pensioners to placate your union paymasters. He will take the knee, but he will never take the stand. He doesn’t even take the stand at the football any more.”
Delivery
Jenrick had been described as a orator, and clearly learned his speech off by heart, but he struggled to come across as authentic, delivering an address that was repetitive of rhetoric he has rehashed since quitting his short stint as an immigration minister, failing to convey what he envisioned as leader.
4. Kemi Badenoch
Three key takeaways
Badenoch said the system was broken and told Tories that it’s “time to tell the truth”.
She criticised the last government for not defending capitalism and its record on net zero, noting the last Tory regime “stopped acting like Conservatives”, setting a target with no plan to meet it.
She criticised those who claim she “likes to fight”, insisting “she’s not afraid to”, given her difficult background. But she did call for a fight against identity politics and likened society now to the “1970s [where] we face a battle of ideas against the left and its desire for ever greater social and economic control”.
Most memorable quote
“I’m sad to be in opposition, but there’s a part of me that’s excited, because opposition is an opportunity – an opportunity to make Angie uncomfortable, to make Rachel wriggle and make Starmer sweat. We are going to have fun. They thought that all they had to do was get us out. But they don’t have a plan. They are not up to the job. They will let our country down and we must be ready to replace them.”
Worst joke?
“Ministers need to be able to make decisions that aren’t endlessly challenged in the courts. If people don’t like those decisions, there are elections. If the law says the government can’t support a foreign child abuser, then the law is an ass.”
Delivery
Badenoch looked slightly awkward and uncomfortable on stage and appeared to use much of her speech to “talk the country down”, which is exactly what all of her rivals said they didn’t want to do. It was quite downbeat, striking a tone throughout her speech that sounded like a disappointed teacher speaking to her brightest student who’d slipped down the rankings.