Can Badenoch’s Thatcher‑inspired plan turn the Tories around?

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch opened the party’s annual conference in Birmingham on October 4, 2026, by unveiling a policy document titled 'The Right Way.' The document serves as a strategic attempt to define a clear ideological alternative to the government led by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

'The Right Way' draws explicit inspiration from Margaret Thatcher’s 1976 pamphlet, 'The Right Approach.' The new document outlines a governing philosophy centered on wealth creation, personal responsibility, and a restrained state. As part of this platform, Badenoch announced specific policy pledges, including the removal of the £100,000 'cliff edge' for childcare support.

The release of the document marks a deliberate effort to reset the party’s identity following its recent electoral defeat. By invoking the language and themes of the 1970s, the leadership aims to establish a 'common sense' brand intended to differentiate the Conservatives from the current administration.

Despite this attempt to shift the political narrative, the party faces significant electoral hurdles. Recent polling indicates that the Conservatives continue to trail both Labour and Reform UK. Public sentiment toward the leadership remains a challenge; Badenoch currently holds a net favourability rating of -16, while Prime Minister Andy Burnham holds a net favourability rating of +13.

The party’s success in this pivot depends on whether its focus on historical Thatcherite principles can resonate with a voter base that moved away from the Conservatives in the 2024 general election. The leadership must now reconcile its admission of past mistakes with its goal of presenting a new vision for the country.

- [aol.co.uk](https://www.aol.co.uk/articles/kemi-badenoch-vows-tories-win-150800000.html) - [aol.com](https://www.aol.com/articles/badenoch-publishes-bombshell-document-093400000.html) - [yougov.com](https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/55382-political-favourability-ratings-august-2026)