Monday, September 2, 2024 Kemi Badenoch has more to say than the others Welcome back, and welcome to the new-look newsletter.    Three Conservative leadership campaigns launched this morning, ahead of Wednesday's first ballot of MPs. I think Kemi Badenoch is more interesting than the other candidates: she says unexpected things. "I believe in the family. The basis of society is not the individual – it's the family," she said.    She also said: "Those who know me best, know that I don't do spin. I do do charm sometimes, but I think life is better when people say what they think."   I agree with the members of the More In Common focus groups who were played clips of the candidates and said of Badenoch that she was "intriguing" and "refreshing". Luke Tryl, the moderator, said: "More than any other candidate the voters we spoke to wanted to know more about her."    But I think Robert Jenrick is in a stronger position because he resigned from the last government over immigration, which is the issue above all that Tory members care about.   Written by John Rentoul Quiz question Which prime ministers since 1945 lost no by-elections during their time in office? Answer at the bottom of today's email Support The Independent At The Independent, nobody tells us what to think; we make up our own mind and aren't afraid to do things differently. Like our readers, we value honesty and integrity above outside influences.   With your support, we challenge the status quo, uncover crucial stories, and amplify unheard voices. If you like what we do, do take out a subscription and help support the best quality online-only journalism.  SUBSCRIBE: 1 MONTH FOR FREE   SUBSCRIBE: 1 MONTH FOR FREE  Daily briefing UK to suspend 30 of 350 export licences for arms to Israel, David Lammy announces The foreign secretary announced the suspension because of concerns the weapons could be used in violation of international law Ofsted one-word grades scrapped – here's what this means for schools 'Single headline grades are low information for parents and high stakes for schools,' said the education secretary Lisa Nandy orders inquiry into pricing after Oasis ticket sale The culture secretary hits out at 'incredibly depressing' Oasis ticket sale and includes dynamic pricing in a review of ticket markets What else you need to know today The five pro-Palestinian independent MPs, including Jeremy Corbyn, have formed the Independent Alliance, a formal group in the Commons – it won't get them more public money, as they didn't stand as a party at the election, but the speaker may grant them more questions The AfD's election win is a body blow for the reunified Germany, Mary Dejevsky writes Sean O'Grady: goodbye and good riddance to Ofsted's one- (and two-) word targets  I wrote at the weekend about the Budget test of the relationship between Rachel Reeves and Keir Starmer: he may be keener to do something to help pensioners who narrowly fail to qualify for keeping the winter fuel payment  The Independent View Labour must give the public reasons for optimism after its 'painful' Budget Politics explained Why Bridget Phillipson is getting tough on holidays, birthdays and runny noses in the school 'absence epidemic' David Maddox on the challenge of dealing with the sharp rise since the pandemic in numbers of children missing school...   Read more MOST COMMENTED Nigel Farage ditches Reform's 'contract with the people' just two months after election Tomorrow inside the Westminster bubble What to look out for on Tuesday  The prime minister will chair cabinet. They may remember to wish him happy 62nd birthday for today, which the No 10 morning meeting forgot to do.  The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero will announce the winners of  a new round of clean energy contracts.  The Passenger Railway Services (Public Ownership) Bill is expected to pass its remaining stages in parliament. QUOTATION OF THE DAY "It is not just about winning, but about what we are winning for"   Kemi Badenoch, at her Conservative leadership campaign launch Quiz answer: Clement Attlee, Winston Churchill and Liz Truss. Attlee lost Glasgow Camlachie in 1948, but it had been won in 1945 by the Independent Labour Party; its MP switched to Labour four days before his death; the Conservatives won the ensuing by-election. Churchill actually gained a seat from Labour at Sunderland South in 1953. Thanks to Paddy Briggs for the question The Independent proudly partners with Refuge and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 Join the conversation or follow us Download the free Independent app Please do not reply directly to this email   You are currently registered to receive The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter.   To unsubscribe from The Independent's View From Westminster newsletter, or to manage your email preferences please click here.   This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345 Read our privacy notice and cookie policy