Sorry Kemi, but in the vibes era showbiz Farage will keep on winning.
The under-siege Tory leader should keep this in mind after taking a swipe at Reform UK chief Nigel Farage.
With her party increasingly sidelined by the populist insurgents, she told The Telegraph that Farage is in “showbusiness” rather than politics.
In an obvious dig at Farage’s I’m A Celebrity appearance, Badenoch said: “This isn’t I’m A Celebrity or Strictly Come Dancing. You don’t vote for the person that you’re enjoying watching and then switch off when the show’s over.”
While acknowledging Farage’s appeal, the Tory leader added: “You’ve got to live with that person in your life, in your family’s life, at work and so on.”
The problem for Kemi is that right now “vibes” matter. Voters are attracted to Farage’s perceived authenticity and his calculation that I’m A Celebrity would boost his profile paid off.
The fact is that far more people know who Farage is than Badenoch and that pays off handsomely at election times.
Name and brand recognition, alongside the right vibes, are what currently boost Reform.
By contrast, not only is the Conservative Party increasingly sidelined in the national conversation, but voters are not going to easily forget 14 years of abject failure.
Farage is boosted by his media exposure and the Rupert Lowe saga is unlikely to seriously kneecap Reform UK.
Badenoch may wish for Farage’s star to fall but right now it is the Tories who look tired, forlorn, and redundant.
Reform and Farage have the momentum, the vibes, and the brand recognition. What exactly does the Conservative Party offer?