Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Wednesday (7th October), Badenoch highlighted Swindon as one of the places where her party is rebuilding its political fortunes.
The recognition follows the Conservatives’ return to running Swindon Borough Council in May, when Cllr Gary Sumner became leader of a minority administration.
Badenoch used her keynote speech to outline a programme of economic reforms, including a pledge to halve employer National Insurance contributions for workers aged 21 to 24, from 15% to 7.5%.
The proposal is designed to encourage businesses to recruit younger workers at a time when youth unemployment and the number of people not in education, employment or training (NEET) remain major national concerns.
It could have particular relevance in Swindon, where official figures have highlighted challenges around young people’s participation in education and employment.
Council leader Cllr Gary Sumner, who attended the conference, welcomed the proposals.
“It was great to be at party conference where Kemi set out a clear direction for the country. She is very fond of Swindon and we even got a shout out in her speech.
“In particular, the pledge to support businesses employ more young people is a very welcome priority, the amount of taxation businesses are paying under Labour is resulting in small business closures here in Swindon and an ever-increasing NEET crisis.
“Supporting businesses to employ people again is a step in the right direction as we prioritise going for growth here in Swindon.”
His comments come after the Labour Government increased the main rate of employer National Insurance in April 2025, although changes to Employment Allowance also reduced the impact for some smaller employers.
Another potentially significant policy for Swindon is the Conservatives’ proposed £10 billion investment in a new missile and drone defence system, known as the Britannia Shield. The announcement comes as Swindon develops a growing presence in defence technology, with Europe’s largest drone testing centre opening in the town earlier this year.
The Conservatives have also committed to increasing defence spending to 3% of GDP by 2030.
Elsewhere, Badenoch pledged to scrap inheritance tax on family homes, while her party has also proposed removing the £100,000 earnings threshold that can cause some parents to lose access to government-funded childcare support.
Swindon’s Conservative delegation was among those attending the four-day conference, with Deputy Council Leader Cllr Jake Chandler describing the recognition of the town as a highlight of the event. Writing on Facebook, Chandler said:
“Kemi giving a shout out to Swindon Conservative Councillors regaining control of SBC in her keynote speech really was the perfect way to wrap up a busy Conservatives Conference!”
He said Swindon representatives had attended policy forums, fringe events and meetings with organisations including the Conservative Environment Network and charities.
The local Conservatives say Badenoch’s priorities reflect their own ambitions for Swindon, including attracting investment, supporting businesses, improving council services, regenerating the town centre and protecting green spaces. However, the administration faces significant financial challenges.
Swindon Borough Council’s 2026/27 budget includes £12.2 million in planned savings and relies on £22.3 million of Exceptional Financial Support, allowing the authority to use capital resources to meet some day-to-day costs.
The Conservatives have pledged to address the council’s finances while maintaining essential services and supporting vulnerable residents. A new Council Plan is being developed to set out the administration’s longer-term priorities, providing an opportunity to establish how its ambitions for economic growth, employment and regeneration will translate into local action.
But with Swindon receiving national recognition from the Conservative leader, and the local administration preparing to set out its own direction, the relationship between national party ambitions and local delivery is likely to attract further national attention.
