Tory leadership candidates are set to face off at the party conference, with Jenrick, Cleverly, Badenoch, and Tugendhat each given 20 minutes to present their vision to party members. However, recent commentary suggests that Kemi Badenoch's bold remarks during the conference may have backfired. According to Dan Bloom's briefing for Politico, some senior Tories believe her candid comments on issues like maternity pay and the minimum wage have negatively impacted her standing with MPs, who will participate in knockout rounds next week. One former minister supporting a rival candidate remarked, “She messed up on day one.” Critics within the party have accused Badenoch of “gaslighting” MPs by attributing her controversial statements to media misinterpretation. A supporter of another candidate noted, “Every time she speaks, it seems to get worse for her. The longer this contest goes on, the better it is for everyone else.” Badenoch's confrontational approach and her readiness to engage in contentious debates may have raised concerns among MPs about her potential behavior as a leader, according to one lawmaker. Another described her campaign as having unraveled due to her remarks, while a third suggested that she needs a strong week to solidify her position among MPs, which has not yet occurred.

In his final address as leader of the Conservative Party, Rishi Sunak called for unity among party members, urging them to put aside their differences. Speaking to a packed hall filled with enthusiastic supporters, Sunak emphasized the importance of collaboration and cohesion within the party as it faces upcoming challenges. His farewell speech resonated with the audience, who responded with cheers, reflecting their support for his leadership. Sunak's message was clear: the party must come together to move forward effectively.