UK Conservatives struggle to capitalize on Labour's woes after election defeat, party insiders say
By
Sascha O'Sullivan
Crisp on the outside, thoughtful on the inside. A keeper.
Summary
The Conservative Party in the UK, led by Kemi Badenoch, is struggling to regain political ground after a devastating election defeat. Despite Labour's own difficulties and unpopularity, the Tories have failed to capitalize effectively. Party insiders express cautious optimism about long-term recovery, pointing to local election results and internal strategy shifts, but acknowledge significant challenges including leadership perception, internal divisions, and the rise of Reform UK as a competitor on the right.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledThe Tories think they're onto a winning plan — even as they keep losing.
The Conservatives are struggling to capitalize on Labour's woes after a crushing election defeat — but party insiders tell POLITICO's Westminster Insider they see signs for optimism.
Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, delivers a speech in Westminster, central London on May 8, 2026, a day after local elections.
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