October 8, 2025
UK Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch dismissed Robert Jenrick’s immigration proposals as merely a rebranding of her own policy ideas. The remarks highlight growing Conservative Party divisions over immigration and post-Brexit border strategy.
The UK Conservative Party’s internal conflict over immigration policy deepened this week as Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch publicly downplayed former immigration minister Robert Jenrick’s new proposals, describing them as “largely my thoughts repackaged.” Her comments, made during an interview with The Guardian on October 7, 2025, have intensified speculation about the Conservative Party’s leadership direction and its approach to migration as Britain struggles to meet economic and security challenges.
Jenrick, who resigned from his ministerial post late last year over disagreements with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s approach to border enforcement, recently unveiled a comprehensive immigration reform plan. His policy paper called for tighter visa restrictions, caps on net migration, and new enforcement measures to curb illegal entry.
However, Badenoch dismissed Jenrick’s blueprint as derivative and politically motivated.
“There’s very little in his plan that I haven’t already said or worked on,” she stated. “It’s largely my thoughts, just repackaged for headlines.”
Her remarks signal growing frustration among senior Conservatives who accuse Jenrick of exploiting the immigration issue to position himself for a future leadership bid. Badenoch’s allies argue that her approach—emphasizing skilled migration, economic contribution, and fairness—is both pragmatic and aligned with modern Conservative values.
The clash between Badenoch and Jenrick underscores the deepening ideological split within the party. Hardliners like Jenrick and Suella Braverman advocate for a near-zero migration model, prioritizing border control and national identity. Meanwhile, Badenoch and other centrists support a “managed migration” system designed to balance labour market needs with cultural cohesion.
Sources within the party told The Guardian that Jenrick’s public push is viewed by many as an attempt to “outflank” Badenoch ahead of potential leadership changes. Polling among Conservative grassroots has shown increasing interest in both politicians as possible future contenders.
The debate arrives amid ongoing public concern about immigration levels. According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, the UK recorded net migration of over 500,000 in 2024, largely driven by students, skilled workers, and humanitarian arrivals. Critics argue that the government has failed to meet its 2019 pledge to “take back control” of the borders after Brexit.
The Labour government, for its part, has been cautious in responding to the Conservative debate. A Home Office spokesperson said Labour remains “committed to maintaining humane and effective migration controls” but refused to comment on internal Tory disputes.
Political analysts say Badenoch’s statement was both a policy defense and a strategic move to reassert her influence.
“She’s drawing a line between serious policy work and political grandstanding,” said Dr. Eleanor Mitchell, a political analyst at King’s College London. “It’s a clear signal that she sees herself as the intellectual leader of the party’s right wing.”
Meanwhile, The Guardian and other UK outlets have noted how immigration continues to shape the post-Brexit narrative, with voters citing it among the top three national concerns. The issue is likely to dominate both the 2026 local elections and any future leadership contests within the Conservatives.
Both Badenoch and Jenrick are seen as rising figures within the party, appealing to distinct factions. Badenoch’s pragmatic approach and reputation for disciplined communication have earned her respect among moderates. Jenrick, however, retains strong support among grassroots conservatives and party activists demanding tougher immigration enforcement.
As the Conservative Party navigates its post-election identity crisis, the rift between these two may define its next chapter. Whether Jenrick’s proposals gain traction or fade as a political stunt may depend on how effectively Badenoch consolidates her leadership among colleagues.
For now, Badenoch’s message is clear: “I’m not here to recycle old slogans. I’m here to deliver real results.”
