Badenoch Opens Tory Conference With Attack on Burnham and Inheritance Tax Hint
Kemi Badenoch used the opening of the Conservative Party conference to criticise Andy Burnham's record and signal openness to inheritance tax reform, as the Tories roll out a series of policy announcements aimed at broadening their platform for government.
Kemi Badenoch has launched a sharp attack on Andy Burnham at the opening of the Conservative Party conference, accusing the Greater Manchester mayor of failing to deliver for his region while hinting that the Tories could scrap inheritance tax. The Conservative leader used her conference appearance to draw a direct contrast with Labour, arguing that the party's approach to devolution and taxation is holding back growth in northern England.
Badenoch's criticism of Burnham centred on what she described as a gap between his public profile and the reality of his record in Greater Manchester. She argued that the mayor has prioritised national positioning over local delivery, and that the Conservative Party offers a more credible alternative for voters in the region. The attack signals that the Tories intend to contest Labour's devolution record directly, rather than ceding the ground to metro mayors.
In the same appearance, Badenoch dropped another strong hint that the Conservatives are prepared to scrap inheritance tax. She said the party is looking at the tax as part of a broader review of the burden on families and businesses, and that changes could be announced in the coming months. The comments build on a series of policy announcements made in the days before the conference, which the party says are designed to broaden its platform for government.
The inheritance tax remarks are significant because the levy has become a rallying point for Conservative activists who argue it penalises aspiration and hits families who have already paid tax on their income and savings. Scrapping it would be a costly commitment, and Badenoch did not set out how the policy would be funded. But her willingness to raise the subject at conference suggests the leadership wants to keep tax reform at the centre of its economic offer.
The conference comes as the Conservatives seek to rebuild their coalition after a difficult electoral period. Party strategists have used the run-up to the event to roll out a series of announcements intended to show that the Tories have a clear programme for government, rather than simply opposing Labour. The policy blitz is also designed to shore up the party's base while reaching out to voters who may have drifted to Reform UK.
Badenoch's decision to target Burnham directly is part of that effort. The Greater Manchester mayor is one of Labour's most prominent figures and has been tipped for a return to Westminster. By taking him on, the Conservative leader is attempting to frame the choice facing voters as one between Labour's record in the regions and a Conservative alternative focused on lower taxes and delivery.
The conference is taking place in Birmingham, where party members will hear from a range of frontbench figures over the coming days. Further policy details are expected, including on tax, housing and devolution. Badenoch's opening remarks set the tone: a combative stance against Labour, combined with a promise of tax reform that will be fleshed out as the conference progresses.
For now, the inheritance tax hint remains just that. Badenoch has not committed to a specific policy, and the party has not published costings. But the signal is clear: the Conservatives want to fight the next election on a platform of lower taxes and a sharper critique of Labour's record in power, starting with the mayor of Greater Manchester.
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