What they think in Essex

The MP for North West Essex has made it through to the final round of the Conservative leadership contest along with the Newark MP Robert Jenrick, but is she the right person for the job?

Kemi Badenoch has represented North West Essex – the seat was previously called Saffron Walden – since 2017 and was trade secretary and minister for women and equalities in the last government.

Her comments on LGBTQ+ issues, maternity pay and so-called “woke culture” have often made headlines.

But what do people think of her in Essex?

Vicky Ford was MP for the neighbouring constituency of Chelmsford until July this year and worked with Badenoch on a number of local issues.

“She is a person of great integrity and I think that’s really important. Voters lost trust in the Conservative Party because of scandals and infighting.

“She is scandal free and does not indulge in infighting. She is just focused on delivery.

“I think people sometimes misinterpret what she says. She’s got a huge brain on her shoulders and I think she can be a breath of fresh air.

“When she looks at a problem, she doesn’t take what other people have said and just repeat it.

“She will go back to fully understand the details and think about the different solutions. That is the engineer in her.”

George Smith is the Chairman of the North West Essex Conservative Association.

“She has always worked hard for the constituency.

“Just last week she was out knocking on doors and talking to residents, so even in the midst of a leadership election her constituency role continued.

“Kemi has always found the time to visit all the corners of the constituency and I have no doubts she’ll be able to still do that if she becomes leader of the party.

“She has always been able to balance multiple jobs.

“People sometimes suggest she is combative, but she stands up for what she believes in.

“She is not looking for a fight but she stands up against people who seek to shut her down, and we want to see more of that in our politicians.”

Sally Fisher and Ruth Downham, from Saffron Walden, are both Conservative voters.

Ms Fisher said: “I think she comes over as a strong personality and if she gets the chance she’ll be a good Prime Minister.”

Ms Downham said: “We need more women power in politics and [the party] needs somebody who’s a good leader. We’re floundering at the moment, so let’s bring her on and see what she can do.”

But local businesswoman Chloe Vant said Badenoch’s selection was “an absolute disaster” and believes the MP is “not equipped to do the job”.

She added: “We feel she’s been detrimental to our business because of Brexit.”

Lisa Drinkwater, a former Conservative voter, said: “I don’t think she’s done anything for people round here. She talks, but there doesn’t seem to be any action.

“She doesn’t seem committed enough to be leader of the opposition.”