Conservative Leader Badenoch Warns of 'Fight Coming' Over Public Spending at Party Conference

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch told delegates at the party's conference in Birmingham that a "fight" is coming in British politics over public spending.

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp also addressed the conference, highlighting the party's pledge to build 50,000 new prison places and crediting a colleague with the plan. Philp used the appearance to criticize the current Labour government, pointing to what he described as dangerous offenders released early from jail, reduced police numbers, limits on the use of stop and search, and a low rate of solved crimes.

Philp also argued that the government has failed to deport illegal immigrants and foreign criminals, and said he believed parts of government had become influenced by what he termed "radical identity politics," arguing this undermines public trust in institutions meant to apply the law equally.

Philp acknowledged that the Conservative Party had not gotten everything right while previously in government, but said the party now has a plan to improve matters, contrasting it with what he characterized as a deteriorating situation under Labour.

The remarks were part of a broader set of speeches and policy announcements during the conference, with further developments expected as the event continues.