Kemi Badenoch has declared herself a "classic old school Conservative" as she launched the Conservative party's annual conference with a series of policy pledges and a comprehensive statement of her guiding principles. The 100-page document, titled 'The Right Way,' signals a deliberate attempt to redefine the party's identity and direction.

Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg, Badenoch articulated her core beliefs, stating, "I believe in common sense, people working hard and being rewarded for that effort." She further emphasized her view that "welfare should be a safety net, not a lifestyle," a stance that underscores her commitment to fiscal conservatism and individual responsibility.

The Conservative leader's positioning comes at a critical juncture for the party, which currently trails Labour and Reform UK in opinion polls following a significant defeat in the 2024 general election. Badenoch, whose personal approval ratings outstrip her party's, has sought to differentiate herself and her party from political rivals, humorously characterizing Reform leader Nigel Farage as a "grumpy grandpa" and Labour leader Andy Burnham as a "cheesy uncle."

When questioned about whether her proposed benefit cuts and a substantial increase in prison capacity signaled a return to the "nasty party" image of the past, Badenoch responded by calling it the "common sense party." She argued that the party's past electoral performance indicated that previous approaches were not working, and a change in direction was necessary.

Badenoch's essay, 'The Right Way,' draws a parallel to Margaret Thatcher's 1976 essay, 'The Right Approach.' In it, she contends that the previous Conservative government faltered because it lacked a clear ideological footing. She asserts that despite years in power, the party did not sufficiently reverse structural changes initiated by Labour, leading to an "increase of the state by stealth."

The central tenet of her proposed next Conservative government, as outlined in the essay, is that "business, not government, creates growth." Badenoch's plan to achieve this involves tax cuts, deregulation, and a reduction in the size of the civil service to pre-pandemic levels. The essay also highlights a perceived deficiency in contemporary politics: a lack of individuals willing to make difficult decisions and say "no" when resources are insufficient.

As the conference convenes in Birmingham, the Conservatives have unveiled specific policy commitments. These include measures to address a "childcare cliff edge" affecting parents earning over £100,000, and a pledge to create 50,000 new prison places. This ambitious prison expansion would be funded by slashing the overseas aid budget to £1 billion annually, aiming to end the practice of early offender release.

Historical data reveals that during the Conservatives' 14 years in power, approximately 500 net prison places were added, a figure that accounts for new constructions and additions offset by closures and dilapidation. Badenoch, speaking from the main conference hall, aimed to assure party members that the Conservatives have moved beyond past failures and encouraged open discussion and debate among attendees to shape future policy.