Badenoch: Britain Not Broken, End Negativity Now

Source: thetimes.com

TL;DR

Rejects claims Britain is broken amid political pessimism.

Urges politicians to trust people's courage and character.

Boosts Conservative optimism under her leadership ahead of local elections.

The story at a glance

Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, writes in The Sunday Times that Britain remains resilient despite real problems, calling for an end to negativity from politicians and media. She argues the nation has deep reserves of strength, talent, and ingenuity, but suffers from a toxic relationship with big government that stifles the British dream. This op-ed arrives as polls show her net approval at minus 9—ahead of rivals like Nigel Farage (minus 16) and Keir Starmer (minus 42)—before tough May local elections.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kemi-badenoch-polls-tory-conservative-farage-8wj328fxx)[[2]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kemi-badenoch-conservative-leader-latest-m7gwv0qns)

Key moments & milestones

Signature highlights

LeaderNet Approval
Kemi Badenoch-9 [[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kemi-badenoch-polls-tory-conservative-farage-8wj328fxx)
Ed Davey-11
Nigel Farage-16
Zack Polanski-16
Keir Starmer-42 [[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kemi-badenoch-polls-tory-conservative-farage-8wj328fxx)

Key quotes

"Britain is in a toxic relationship with big government."[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kemi-badenoch-polls-tory-conservative-farage-8wj328fxx)

"I am tired of the misery and the endless negativity. [...] Britain is a place where dreams come true."[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kemi-badenoch-polls-tory-conservative-farage-8wj328fxx)

"Politicians must trust in the courage and character of the people they serve."[[2]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/kemi-badenoch-conservative-leader-latest-m7gwv0qns)

Why it matters

Badenoch's message counters widespread perceptions of national decline, echoed by defectors like Robert Jenrick to Reform UK, reshaping right-wing debate on Britain's state. For decision-makers, it signals a Conservative pivot to optimism and small-government reform, potentially consolidating anti-Labour voters despite local election risks. Watch her performance in May 2026 locals and PMQs clashes with Starmer on energy, defence, and economy for signs of broader polling shifts.[[5]](https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/robert-jenrick-reform-sacked-kemi-badenoch-wkr7vs38b)