Kemi Badenoch has released her first Christmas message to the nation since replacing Rishi Sunak as Tory leader earlier this year.
Badenoch, who only became Leader of the Opposition in November, filmed her address with a festive backdrop.
Opening her message, the North West Essex MP said: “Christmas is my favourite time of year. So many of the things I love happen in December.
“Having lots of family around, seeing my friends, eating, drinking, having fun, making merry. It’s absolutely the very best time.
“And I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to everyone, not just in the Conservative Party or in my constituency, but across the country.
“For all that you have been doing in your communities, supporting each other and helping to keep all our towns, villages and places going.”
Kemi Badenoch’s Christmas message to Britain
KEMI BADENOCH
Taking a more touching tone, Badenoch added: “I think that Christmas is a time for us to reflect on all that’s happened in the year.
“Sometimes we have amazing years. Sometimes, like when I lost my dad, we have difficulty years and we’re commiserating, but we do it together.
“But it’s a time for us to support all of those people who need our assistance, who need our help, who need our support.
“And that’s one of the best things about Christmas, that it isn’t just about all of the things that we love and want to do, but thinking about other people.
“And so my message to everyone this Christmas is have a happy one.
“But also remember all of the people who might be in your community or even in your family who need your support. And let’s not forget them either.”
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Turning her attention to the New Year, Badenoch concluded: “And I’m looking forward to 2025.
“I wish you all the very best for the New Year and all of the exciting things to come. Happy Christmas!”
Badenoch released her festive message at the same time as Sir Keir Starmer.
The Prime Minister paid tribute to members of the NHS, emergency services and Armed Forces who will continue to work over Christmas.
He also expressed his desire for peace in the Middle East, connecting Israel’s war in Gaza to the birthplace of Jesus.
However, Starmer’s Christmas address was released just hours after a petition demanding an “immediate” General Election surpassed three million signatures.
The Prime Minister was also mocked by “Sir Starmer and the Granny Harmers” festive hit mocking after Labour decided to axe Winter Fuel Payments for 10 million pensioners.
Despite not facing as much fury as Starmer, Badenoch is bracing for an almost inevitable blow as Reform UK sets its sights on enlisting more members than the Tories.
The populist party, which created a live tracker yesterday, is less than 10,000 members behind the 131,680-strong Tory Party.
Insiders believe it will take Reform UK just weeks to soar past the Tories, with momentum building steadily behind Nigel Farage.
Badenoch’s 2024 Tory leadership rival Robert Jenrick, who now serves as Shadow Justice Secretary, also released a hilarious Christmas message earlier today.
Jenrick appeared to mock the standard practice of politicians releasing “cheesy” festive messages before highlighting efforts taken by Newark Round Table to assist the local community in December.
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