James Cleverly brought out as Badenoch declares ‘Tories only party with a plan’ at London rally

james cleverly appeared as a warm-up at Kemi Badenoch’s local election campaign launch at a rally in London, where the Conservative leader said the party was “the only party with a plan. ” Badenoch told supporters the party was “coming back” and defended sticking to a long-term strategy ahead of local elections: voters will go to the polls on 7 May (ET) in 136 of England’s 317 councils. The London event in Westminster combined rallying rhetoric with policy pledges on business rates and wider plans only deliverable at general election.

What happened at the rally

The launch was held in a London venue in Westminster and opened with party messages aimed at energising activists. Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, said people would face a clear choice between parties that “whinge on” and the Conservatives, who are “a party that can actually fix things. ” She told the crowd that local elections are a “challenge” but one that should be met by sticking to a long-term strategy rather than changing course when results are difficult. Badenoch acknowledged past mistakes by saying the party has “learned many lessons” and has “acknowledged and apologised for mistakes that were made on tax, on immigration. ” She warned that “not everyone” would like the plans, but added, “That’s ok, ” and argued that the party will not try to please everyone all the time.

James Cleverly as warm-up: what he said

james cleverly took the stage as the warm-up act and addressed the assembled activists, using direct appeals to patriotism and party unity. james cleverly asked the crowd, “Who loves their country?” and urged focus on the party leader, saying, “You’re here to see Kemi” and framing her as a central figure for supporters. At the podium, Badenoch invited applause for james cleverly, saying, “Give it up for James Cleverly. ” The event included moments of high energy and an attempted showreel, which the organisers tried more than once when a technical problem left the screen blank.

Immediate reactions from leadership

Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader, told supporters the Conservatives have the “courage, the competence and the team” to “get Britain working again” and accused other parties of failing to “do the work” needed to solve the country’s problems. On the campaign approach she said, “When you have a long-term strategy, you don’t necessarily get the outcomes immediately, that is not a reason to start flip-flopping about. ” The leader also cautioned that the multi-party landscape means election results will vary and that the party must be prepared for different outcomes.

Quick context

The Conservatives have struggled in national opinion polls since the 2024 general election, yet Badenoch used the rally to insist the party was “coming back. ” The campaign launch reiterated a pledge to exempt retail, hospitality and leisure firms in England from business rates up to an annual limit of £110, 000, and flagged broader measures the party would pursue only if returned at a general election, including cutting environmental taxes to reduce energy bills and abolishing stamp duty.

What comes next

With voters due in local ballots on 7 May (ET) in 136 councils, the party will press its message on stability and long-term strategy as it contests difficult local battlegrounds. Expect more events emphasising the same themes and further attempts to translate national pledges into local campaigning. james cleverly’s appearances at such rallies are likely to be repeated as organisers aim to sharpen turnout and unity among activists in the run-up to the polls.