Since the dire local election results at the beginning of May, Kemi Badenoch's leadership has been the subject of quite outspoken criticism within the Party. In a letter in The Times on 28 May, Alistair Lexden reflected on the contrat between her and the first Conservative woman leader as regards the renewal of Conservative policy.
Sir, From the moment that Margaret Thatcher became Conservative leader 50 years ago, she provided a clear sense of how party policy would be reconstructed while a detailed review was conducted by Sir Keith Joseph. Today, under Kemi Badenoch, no intimination of future policy is to be given until a review is completed. That makes it impossible to rouse the enthusiasm of the dwindling band of Conservative Party members in the constituencies. If there should be yet another leadership contest (“Grassroots Tories plot to oust leader”, news, May 24), the members should pick three or four possible candidates with MPs deciding between them quickly, scrapping the customary process which lasts several debilitating months.
Lord Lexden
Conservative Party historian
