Tory conference 2026: What POLITICO reporters are watching for – POLITICO

BIRMINGHAM, England — Britain’s largest opposition party wants to show it’s still on the electoral pitch during an annual gathering that kicks off Sunday.

Despite Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch consolidating her position and seeing improved personal ratings, the party is still far from its government heyday, and faces an ongoing challenge on the right from Nigel Farage’s populist Reform UK.

Here’s what POLITICO’s team of reporters will be watching for as the Conservatives gather in Birmingham.