Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Kemi Badenoch came into the Conservative Party conference needing a miracle. 
And things were looking up for the Tory leader when she managed to pack out the main hall for her headline speech, despite a slew of MPs, activists and journalists leaving early. 

And with a rousing performance she went on to buy herself some time, both with restless backbenchers and members wondering when the party's dire fortunes may start to turn. 

There was a genuine buzz in the room as she relaxed into a speech packed with anti-Labour barbs and Tory-favourite talking points - including the white rabbit pledge to scrap stamp duty. 

May's elections may still be make or break for Ms Badenoch, but she can sleep a little more easily until then. 

Who is the England women's football team's all-time top goalscorer?

Answer at the bottom of today's email 

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Daily briefing

Kemi Badenoch pledges to abolish stamp duty on all home sales

Conservative leader promises wide-ranging tax cuts, including ditching Labour's 'tractor tax'

Data error gives Rachel Reeves an extra £3bn for Budget

The latest revisions hand a rare boost to the beleaguered chancellor, who is gearing up for a difficult Budget next month

NHS drug prices set to rise as Starmer to cave on Trump demands

The threat of Trump tariffs means that the UK will need to pay US pharmaceutical companies more money

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Sean O'Grady looks at whether Kemi Badenoch can turn the party around, like its first female leader did five decades ago...

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QUOTATION OF THE DAY

As George Bernard Shaw said. 'Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty, and the pig likes it

Kemi Badenoch on the battle between the Tories and Reform

Quiz answer: Ellen White, with 52 goals in 113 appearances

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