Ms. Badenoch’s ascent is partly the result of a deliberate diversifying of the party under David Cameron in the 2000s. In her politics, she exemplifies its more recent rightward turn.

At the start of the weekend there was an outburst of rejoicing among Tory activists - not something they have been accustomed to in recent years. A single opinion poll suggested the Conservatives are now in the lead.

If the newly elected Conservative Party leader can grab the key issues she can “move the needle” and fix the party’s “brand crisis”, says Sky News contributor Kosha Gada.