Date: 7 October 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Conservatives, Reform UK, Economy Summary: Kemi Badenoch says she would prefer another general election rather than form a government with Reform UK. She said this position would apply if no party secured an overall majority at the next election. Badenoch accused Reform of being “neck deep in scandal” and said cooperation would create further problems. She said Conservatives should seek to win back voters who have switched to Nigel Fara

Date: 7 October 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Conservatives, Tax, Economy Summary: Kemi Badenoch says a Conservative government would remove family homes from inheritance tax entirely. The exemption would apply to a main family home passed to children, grandchildren, fostered or adopted children. The standard inheritance tax allowance would increase from £325,000 to £500,000 for individuals. Couples could pass on £1m in other assets tax-free, in addition to their family home.

Date: 5 October 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Defence, Conservatives, National Security Summary: Conservatives have pledged £10bn for a new UK missile and drone defence system if they win the next general election. The proposed “Britannia Shield” would combine advanced radar, command systems, interceptor missiles and counter-drone capabilities. Kemi Badenoch rejected comparisons with Israel’s Iron Dome, saying Britain requires a system designed for different threats. The £10bn inve

Date: 3 October 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Prisons, Criminal Justice, Conservatives Summary: Conservatives have pledged 50,000 additional prison places in England and Wales if they return to government. The party says the plan would allow it to reverse measures releasing some prisoners after serving one-third of their sentences. Around 4,500 prisoners are expected to be released early by next summer under the Government’s latest scheme. Prisons are currently around 98% full, wit

Date: 24 September 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Welfare, Employment, Conservatives Summary: Conservatives propose reducing Universal Credit for some people unemployed for more than six months and considered capable of working. Claimants without sufficient previous contributions would receive a new allowance worth 70% of their normal Universal Credit. Payments would go onto a prepaid “Back to Work” card preventing cash withdrawals and purchases of alcohol, cigarettes or gambling. E

Date: 18 September 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Conservatives, Local Government, Tax Summary: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said party lawyers are examining a potential challenge against government changes to council funding. Tory-run Wandsworth Council has proposed increasing council tax by £958, representing a rise of approximately 94%. Wandsworth says government funding changes could reduce its annual funding by £84 million within three years. Badenoch described the propose

Date: 13 September 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Tax, Conservatives, Economy Summary: Kemi Badenoch is reportedly considering abolishing inheritance tax if the Conservatives win the next general election. Badenoch could announce the proposal during her Conservative Party conference speech next month. A Conservative source said the party is examining whether abolition can be made financially affordable. Inheritance tax is currently charged at 40% on qualifying estate values above ap

Date: 31 August 2026 Tags: UK Politics, Conservatives, Parliament, Elections Summary: Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has begun a major reshuffle of her Shadow Cabinet. Shadow Health Secretary Stuart Andrew has left the front bench after nearly 10 years. Dame Priti Patel and Sir James Cleverly have also left their Shadow Cabinet positions. Cleverly intends to seek the Conservative nomination for London mayor. Claire Coutinho is expected to leave temporarily for maternity le