Tories are united behind Badenoch, but MPs want focus on economy over culture wars to win back voters

Party has common enemy in defectors, while Nigel Farage’s woes have given some insiders reason to hope

During a quick-fire Q&A at the Conservative party conference this weekend, Kemi Badenoch was asked who she would pick between Robert Jenrick or Suella Braverman.

“Why do you keep offering me these? It’s like asking if I’d rather be shot or drowned,” the Tory leader responded with her trademark directness.