Kemi Badenoch is set to address the Conservative Party conference, using Birmingham's Symphony Hall as the main stage, signaling a capacity to draw larger audiences.

This move away from smaller, corporate venues suggests a resurgence in the party's ability to attract attendees, a key metric for its current standing.

Badenoch's personal standing within the party and among the public has reportedly improved. Allies suggest she has developed a clear identity, with many stating they "don't always agree with her but know where she stands."

Despite Badenoch's progress, a significant challenge remains: rebuilding trust in the Conservative brand, which has been overshadowed by years of political "chaos."

As the party prepares for its conference, a focus on traditional conservative principles is evident. This includes a significant expansion of prison places, echoing the 1990s slogan "Prison works," and a "tough love" approach to welfare benefits.

The party intends to emphasize the size of the welfare bill, citing financial and moral reasons. Discussions are expected to center on core conservative tenets such as lower taxes, limited government intervention, and concerns over national debt and public spending.

Badenoch is anticipated to distance herself from aspects of the Conservative government's record between 2010 and 2024, a period marked by growth in the civil service, increased tax burdens, and climate change legislation.

She is expected to articulate her vision for "classic conservative first principles" during the conference, aiming to redefine the party's identity for a new political landscape, facing a potentially more popular rival than her predecessor.