It is with regret that I acknowledge the recent losses faced by many principled and industrious Conservative representatives here in Kent. These are individuals who have worked tirelessly for their communities, often far removed from the noise of national headlines. Their defeat, while disheartening, is not wholly unexpected. The shadows of recent Conservative leadership still linger. Trust, once lost, takes time and integrity to rebuild.

Kemi Badenoch has been forthright in recognising this. She understands that true political recovery requires more than slogans; it needs a structured, values-based renewal rooted in service and substance. The road ahead is not about quick wins, but about re-earning the right to lead through consistent, credible work over the years ahead.

Ultimately, the task ahead for the Conservative Party is clear. We must not only listen to voters—we must show that we have heard them. We must revisit our principles, renew our vision, and present a modern, compassionate, and competent platform rooted in the realities of 21st-century Britain. Our ambition is not just to return to government, but to do so with a mandate that reflects genuine public confidence. That journey starts now—not with blame or denial, but with honest self-reflection, fresh ideas, and a renewed sense of duty.

Oliver Richardson
Chairman of Dover & Deal Conservative Association