Robert Jenrick’s Conference Speech: A Masterclass in Political Showmanship

How they cheered. The Tory faithful loved it as their leader-in-waiting, Robert Jenrick, delivered a conference speech designed to boost morale—both for his party and his own leadership ambitions. His performance, animated and energetic, was nothing short of a rallying cry that seemed to lift the spirits within the hall, which had been sparsely populated during earlier shadow cabinet speeches.

A Rising Star Amid Controversy

Despite a rocky start to his day—marked by a row over remarks he made regarding the demographic makeup of Handsworth, Birmingham—Jenrick maintained an air of confidence. His comment about not seeing another "white face" led to accusations of racism, particularly from Labour’s West Midlands mayor, Richard Parker. However, as he strode onto the stage before noon, grinning broadly and holding a black metal box under his arm, the atmosphere shifted.

Theatricality and Strategy: The Wig Moment

Jenrick quickly showcased his theatrical flair by brandishing a judge’s wig, a prop he held aloft to the delight of photographers. The wig served as a vehicle for his key message: judges in the UK, he claimed, function as left-wing activists. With a quip likening the situation to a referee being biased in a football match, he painted a vivid picture that added both humor and seriousness to his argument.

Revamping Judicial Power

In a bid to curb what he described as the influence of "activist judges," Jenrick proposed ambitious changes, such as abolishing the sentencing council—a body he accused of allowing criminals to walk free. He also suggested transferring the authority to appoint judges to the lord chancellor, a move aimed at restoring Conservative control over the judicial system.

Lighthearted Jabs at Rivals

The speech was not without its lighter moments, particularly when Jenrick playfully ridiculed Labour’s justice secretary, David Lammy. By recalling Lammy’s notorious, poorly performed appearance on TV’s “Mastermind,” Jenrick deftly engaged the audience, setting a lighter tone before delving into serious critiques.

A Scorching Attack on Political Rivals

As the speech progressed, his humor morphed into a scathing attack on prominent political figures, including attorney general Richard Hermer. Comparing Hermer to a “mafia lawyer” due to his previous clients, Jenrick reinforced his stance on law and order while garnering applause from the audience.

The highlight came when he launched an unrelenting assault on Labour leader Keir Starmer, branding him a "freebie-grabbing, free speech-stifling, criminal-releasing" leader. His barbs were sharp but effective, drawing clear contrasts between Conservative ideals and Labour’s approach.

Surprising Nuance: Praise for Europhile Michael Heseltine

Among the political vitriol, Jenrick surprised listeners by praising arch-Europhile Michael Heseltine. With a bit of humor, he shared how Heseltine, a staunch opponent of the Labour Party, would wake up each morning determined to combat their policies. This unexpected nod added a layer of complexity to his otherwise staunchly Euro-skeptic narrative.

Defining British Values

Toward the end of his address, Jenrick invoked a passionate sense of British values. Describing affections for pubs, animals, and the common law, he painted a vivid adventure that included imagery of sporting triumphs and the reverence for the monarchy. Such declarations stirred the audience, reinforcing a sense of unity and shared identity within the party.

Energizing the Party

Quietly, but effectively, Robert Jenrick’s speech transformed the previously stagnant Tory conference into a vibrant political event. He managed to inject not just energy but a sense of purpose, compelling the audience to renew their commitment to Conservative values.

Follow that, Kemi. No pressure!