The issue worrying the leadership of Kemi Badenoch is a crisis in support for the purpose of conservatism in the UK.
Its storied history is not the only point now but its engagement with the modern world.
Its survival relies on getting the votes to make itself into a party of governance.
In a conservative world your base counts as your source for ideas, resilience to opposing values, views, and visions, and the strength to carry through big changes to the political system.
While Reform UK has the potential, it falls short in having the clout. The trouble Badenoch has with her party is the ‘brand’ suffers for not being supported widely.
The work of the party is not seen as pervasive anymore, and its preeminence is damaged by the furtive activity of others.
It means it lacks clarity in its pitch.
To see success and return to real influence in UK politics, the Conservatives need to drive enthusiasm for more of what they did before, marking out large schemes for the entire country.
