In the quaint, bunting-draped streets of Henley-on-Thames, residents are coming to terms with the new reality of the Conservative party under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch. This picturesque Oxfordshire town, situated nearly 40 miles from the standing ovations and gleeful commiserations of Badenoch’s victory celebration, has long been a Tory heartland—until a stunning upset by the Liberal Democrats just three months ago.
Henley had faithfully voted Conservative in every election since 1906, making it one of the safest Tory seats in the country. The constituency boasts an illustrious history, having been represented by political heavyweights like Boris Johnson and Michael Heseltine. But in July, the Lib Dems managed to overturn the Conservatives’ formidable 14,000 vote majority, sending shockwaves through the political establishment.
A Town Divided
As news of Badenoch’s triumph trickles through the town, opinions are split on whether the Tories’ new leader has what it takes to win back the hearts and minds of Henley’s voters. Andrew Collins, the 71-year-old chair of the Henley and Thame Conservative Association, believes Badenoch’s historic victory as the first black woman to lead a major western political party bodes well for the Conservatives.
“To be in the position where we’ve elected the first black woman of any major political party in the west as our leader is incredibly positive for the party and the country as a whole,”
– Andrew Collins, chair of the Henley and Thame Conservative Association
Collins, who voted for Robert Jenrick in the leadership contest, admires Badenoch’s social conservatism and believes her identity will make it harder for critics to challenge her views. Tracy Scott, deputy chair of the Henley Conservatives, echoes this sentiment, calling Badenoch “a star” despite having supported Jenrick herself.
Concerns Over Rightward Shift
However, not everyone is convinced that a further shift to the right under Badenoch’s leadership is the answer to the Conservatives’ woes. John Clark, a 59-year-old business owner and lifelong Tory voter, worries that the party could alienate voters by lurching too far to the right.
“We don’t want to lurch to the right. We just need some middle-of-the-road politics which are sensible for everybody, rather than this rhetoric of rightwing extremism.”
– John Clark, local business owner
Despite his concerns, Clark remains committed to voting Conservative in the next general election, quipping that he would support the party even if they put “Coco the clown” on the ballot.
Disillusionment and Nostalgia
For some disillusioned voters, like 73-year-old antique shop owner Dave Potter, no party leader—Badenoch included—can restore their faith in mainstream politics. Potter, who once voted Conservative but now backs Nigel Farage’s Reform party, laments the state of British politics:
“I’ve got no faith in anybody, no faith in the Labour party or the Tories. They’re all liars and cheats, the whole lot of them.”
– Dave Potter, disillusioned voter
Others, like 79-year-old Roger Field, pine for the days of Boris Johnson’s leadership, expressing disappointment with the current crop of Conservative politicians. Field, a committed Tory, believes Henley will eventually return to the Conservative fold, but remains unimpressed with the party’s rightward direction.
A Town Poised for Change?
As Kemi Badenoch settles into her new role as leader of the opposition, the people of Henley-on-Thames find themselves at a crossroads. Will Badenoch’s brand of conservatism be enough to win back this true-blue town, or will the Lib Dems’ stunning victory in July prove to be more than just a fleeting aberration?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the voters of Henley-on-Thames will be watching closely as Badenoch attempts to steer the Conservative party back to power. With the next general election looming on the horizon, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both the Tories and the town that has long been a bastion of Conservative support.
