Many in SW1 have remarked that Kemi Badenoch has come on quite a bit since her early PMQs’ appearances. The Tory leader can now land a blow on television and can address the Commons with the confidence and clarity she lacked in earlier days. Significant progress, then. But alas, yesterday brought a reminder that live radio remains a cruel mistress.
Appearing on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey yesterday, Badenoch was asked about the Conservatives’ record in local government. Were Tory councils, that once familiar spectacle across the Home Counties, doing a good job? Naturally, the party leader thought so. ‘We have excellent councils,’ she declared, before producing a list: ‘Guildford, Runnymede, Elmbridge, Epsom, Mole Valley.’
Splendid stuff – apart from the fact that many of them are not run by the Conservatives. In Guildford, the Liberal Democrats are the largest party and run the council. In Runnymede, power sits with an alliance of Lib Dems, Labour, Greens and others. Elmbridge is run by a Lib Dem-and-independents administration. Epsom & Ewell remains the preserve of the Residents Associations. Mole Valley, meanwhile, is under Lib Dem overall control. Hardly a bunch of blue bastions…
Sir Ed Davey’s lot were quick to point out Badenoch’s error. A source told Mr S: ‘It’s the Lib Dems poised to knock down the lack bricks of the ‘blue wall’ in traditional Tory heartlands like Sussex and Surrey. We’ll be sure to let Kemi know when we take those councils off her hands.’ Touché.
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