Kemi Badenoch Challenges Polls, Defends Conservative Prospects

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, expressed her belief that upcoming elections will not result in the anticipated success for Reform UK in Lincolnshire. On October 13, 2023, during a visit to Grantham to commemorate the centenary of the late Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher‘s birth, Badenoch dismissed predictions suggesting Reform UK would secure all but one parliamentary seat in the region.

The Conservatives have historically maintained a stronghold in Lincolnshire, with numerous seats regarded as some of the safest for the party nationwide. However, the recent loss of the county council to Reform UK has raised concerns about the party’s future in the area. Badenoch emphasized that a victory for Reform is “absolutely not” guaranteed, despite recent polling data.

At a press briefing with the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Badenoch stated, “We set out at our conference new policies which we’ve taken a lot of time to work out how they will be delivered.” She underscored the importance of leaving the European Convention on Human Rights, describing it as critical for securing the nation’s borders.

YouGov data indicates that Reform UK could emerge as the largest party in the next election but may fall short of achieving an overall majority. While the projected results suggest that Reform would capture every Lincolnshire seat except for Rutland and Stamford, local Conservative councillors reminded the public that there remains a considerable gap of up to four years before the next general election.

The celebration of Thatcher’s legacy, branded as Thatcher Fest, commenced on the same day in Grantham, where she once served as Head Girl at Kesteven and Grantham Girls School. The school has organized a public screening of “The Iron Lady,” featuring Meryl Streep in the titular role, reflecting on the former Prime Minister’s impactful yet polarizing tenure.

The ongoing political landscape in Lincolnshire serves as a significant focal point for both the Conservative Party and Reform UK, as each prepares for the challenges ahead in the run-up to the next general election.