# Badenoch eyes Burnham as softer Tory target

> At the Conservative conference, Kemi Badenoch's team sees an opening to attack the prime minister's economic record and challenge rivals across the country.
- Title: Badenoch eyes Burnham as softer Tory target · POLITICO
- Summary: At the Conservative conference, Kemi Badenoch's team sees an opening to attack the prime minister's economic record and challenge rivals across the country…
- Keywords: kemi badenoch, conservative party, andy burnham, keir starmer, tory conference, reform uk, liberal democrats, politics, world, Badenoch, eyes, Burnham
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/podcast/politics-at-sam-and-annes/is-kemi-badenoch-abandoning-the-red-wall
- Published: 2026-10-05T07:35:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: kemi badenoch, conservative party, andy burnham, keir starmer, tory conference, reform uk, liberal democrats, politics, world
## Badenoch spots an opening
At the Tory conference in Birmingham, Kemi Badenoch's team believes they have found a chance to attack the prime minister on his economic argument.
## The Right Way strategy
Badenoch's pamphlet, The Right Way, sets out her plan to take the fight to Reform UK in the north and the Liberal Democrats in the southeast.
## Burnham versus Starmer
The Conservatives believe Andy Burnham is an easier opponent than Sir Keir Starmer, the current prime minister.
## Whately's message to Burnham
Shadow work and pensions secretary Helen Whately has been speaking to Burnham and has a couple of blunt messages for him.
## Jenrick's defection aftermath
The Conservatives are moving on from Robert Jenrick after his defection to Reform UK, signalling the party is ready to look forward.
## Key takeaway

Kemi Badenoch's Conservative team believes Andy Burnham presents an easier political target than Sir Keir Starmer, and plans to attack the prime minister's economic argument at the Tory conference in Birmingham.