The great Conservative reset – but will the country listen?

As the Conservative Party Conference wrapped up in Manchester yesterday, it marked the party’s most significant attempt yet to reposition itself since losing power in last year’s general election. No longer defending a governing record, the Conservatives are now in full reset mode, laying out the ideological groundwork for a return to relevance and, ultimately, to government.

The conference was unapologetically policy-heavy, aimed at both reassuring the base and re-engaging an electorate that delivered a decisive verdict at the General Election last year. But with trust still fragile, the bigger question is whether the country is ready to listen.

1. Stamp Duty abolition: a bold but potentially popular move
The flagship and unexpected announcement to abolish stamp duty entirely is a striking signal to younger and aspirational voters. It plays directly into Conservative values around ownership and mobility, but without a credible supply-side plan, the risk is further inflating an already overheated housing market. We await further detail, but this was welcomed by much of today’s centre right media.

2. A new “Golden Rule” on borrowing
A new fiscal framework was introduced: at least 50% of any spending savings must be directed to reducing national borrowing. Framed as a fresh “golden rule,” it aims to recapture economic credibility and contrast sharply with Labour and Reform’s more expansive fiscal approach.

3. £47 billion in savings: narrative or numbers?
The Conservatives claimed they have identified £47 billion in savings to help “live within our means.” While politically powerful, the lack of detail will raise questions, particularly among economists and business leaders who will want to see whether these savings are achievable without major service cuts.

4. ECHR exit in future manifesto
Leaving the ECHR is now firmly on the menu as a manifesto commitment, which Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick has long called for. Promoted as a sovereignty-first move, particularly in order to control immigration, the idea will please some on the right, including potential Reform voters, but risks alienating moderates and damaging the UK’s international standing.

5. Business rates axed for hospitality
Among the more practical and immediate announcements was a pledge to abolish business rates for the hospitality sector, a move likely to be welcomed by high street operators and SMEs. Whether this can help reposition the Conservatives as “the party of business” remains to be seen.

Overall reflections: Low in attendance, high in policy
As widely reported in the Press, as well as felt around the normally packed Midland bar, attendance in Manchester was down, likely a reflection of a party still adjusting to life outside of government. But what it lacked in crowd size, it arguably made up for in policy substance.

Notably, the conference gave us the clearest view yet of Kemi Badenoch’s emerging vision. After months of remaining policy light whilst the Policy Renewal Programme was underway, her keynote speech set out a path for a leaner, sharper, and more ideologically confident Conservative Party. It may be enough to quiet some internal scepticism, for now.

Yet the electorate remains wary. Fourteen years in power left a mark, and the path to rebuilding trust will require more than bold policy ideas. Public sentiment is not easily reset.

And, of course, the now-infamous “Britian” typo on that conference chocolate bar, while minor, became symbolic. In politics, the details matter. Especially when trying to prove competence.

There’s no doubt that the foundations for a comeback are being laid. But whether the message cuts through and resonates is a test for the weeks and months to come.