Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch attends the Ronald Reagan statue re-dedication ceremony in Grosvenor Square in London, Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. The Tories were left looking rather embarrassed today after a “best bits” compilation video of Kemi Badenoch played nothing at all. Shadow local government secretary James Cleverly tried to launch the Conservatives’ local elections campaign by lauding the party leader’s “vim and vigour” – but a technical glitch turned it into a moment they’d rather forget. Shortly before introducing Badenoch on stage, Cleverly told the waiting audience: “Just in case anyone has forgotten just how good she is, let’s remind ourselves with a quick look at her best bits.” A few people in the audience excitedly declared that this clip was obviously “going to be long” as the screen briefly flashed up with the Conservatives’ slogans. But it quickly went black. It then showed the Tory pledge to implement a “stronger economy and a stronger country” once more – before Cleverly started to give up. “I’m going to give it... one more second...for the video,” he said, then adding: “Do you know what ladies and gentlemen? Forget the video.” He then welcomed Badenoch onto the stage, who laughed at all the enthusiastic applause. “That was a fabulous introduction, can we give it up to James Cleverly?” she said, pushing past the embarrassing encounter. WATCH: James Cleverly tries to play a “best bits” compilation of Kemi Badenoch but gives up after it repeatedly won’t work at the Tories' local election launch pic.twitter.com/v0nrFhgrLL — Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) March 19, 2026 In the 16 months since she was elected to be Tory leader and leader of the opposition, Badenoch has been widely criticised for her performance. Trying to carry the mantel after the Conservatives’ worst ever general election defeat, Badenoch struggled to hold her own in prime ministers’ questions and made a handful of very public – and painful – gaffes. She’s also seen a series of ex-Tory MPs defect to Reform, including two of her own frontbenchers, Danny Kruger and Robert Jenrick. Related... Minister Tears Into Reform For Being 'Retirement Home For Failed Tories' 'Massive Hypocrite' Robert Jenrick Given Brutal Reminder After Blaming Labour And Tories For Housing Crisis Question Time Audience Member Brands Reform UK 'Care Home For Old Tories' In Brutal Assessment