Kemi Badenoch Elected UK Conservative Leader

Kemi Badenoch has become the new leader of the UK Conservative Party, emphasizing the need for honesty and a reset in politics to regain public trust. Following her election victory over Robert Jenrick, she called for the party to acknowledge past mistakes and to redefine its future direction. Meanwhile, Labour's Chancellor Rachel Reeves introduced a controversial Autumn Budget, which proposes significant tax increases, particularly on National Insurance, to fund public services like the NHS, amid concerns from healthcare professionals about potential adverse effects on care facilities. The budget has met mixed reactions, with polls showing public support for tax hikes, but professionals warning of risks to GP practices and social care. Labour's recent electoral setbacks have raised questions about its popularity, following losses to Nigel Farage's Reform UK in local by-elections. In Scotland, the Labour budget is seen as a challenge to the SNP, providing unexpected funding boosts for public projects ahead of upcoming elections.