Kemi Badenoch

Easter is being celebrated by millions of families across our country. It’s one of those moments when we should come together, pause and remember what really matters. As a mother with a very busy job, I value this time with my children more and more each year. It is a time for faith, family and fun. Britain is a Christian country. Our values, our customs and many of our greatest institutions were shaped by Christianity. That is why, for so many people, going to church at Easter still matters. I teach my children that it is not just a ritual. It is part of who we are. That is why this is a good time to talk about churches. Churches matter. They are not just places of worship.

Perhaps the strongest asset of the Conservative party is its members (reader, I married one!) and the best part of this leadership contest has been meeting so many of them. On the campaign trail, I’ve encountered three types of party member. The first want to refight the last election, but with different policies. The second worry about the party’s ability to survive, let alone fight the next election. The third are there for the show – and the selfies. And when it comes to leadership hustings, we Tories lay on pretty regular shows. I sympathise with those in the first group: I’d love to go back in time and have better arguments. But we can’t; we need to focus on the future. That’s why I’m in the second group. I worry that our party is withering away.

This is an edited transcript of Kemi Badenoch's speech announcing her candidacy for the Conservative party leadership. It's time to tell the truth. For too long, politicians have been telling us that we can have it all: have your cake and eat it. And I'm here to tell you that is not true. It never has been. There are always tough choices in life and in politics. No free lunches, no tax cuts without limits on government spending, and a stronger defence without a slimmer state. Governing involves trade-offs, and we need to start being honest about that.  Unlike others, I'm not going to promise you things without a plan to deliver them. People are sick of that. They're crying out for honesty. Today, I want to be honest about our economic challenge.