Kemi Badenoch recently engaged in discussions with Donald Trump’s deputy as she works to strengthen connections with the incoming Republican administration.

The Conservative Party leader dined in Washington on Saturday night with Vice President-elect JD Vance. Their conversation touched on Mr. Trump’s agenda and Badenoch’s perspective on the future direction of conservative politics.

Following the meeting, Mr. Vance shared a photo on X, writing: “Great to see the leader of the UK Conservatives, Kemi Badenoch, during her US visit. We discussed many topics, but I couldn’t convince her that coffee is better than tea. Cheers, Kemi!”

Their discussions reportedly covered various subjects, including Badenoch’s concerns about the growing “bureaucratic state” and its potential impact on economic growth in Western nations. According to a Tory insider, Vance considers Badenoch among the global Right’s forward-thinkers addressing state reform. The source described them as part of a “new wave of centre-Right leaders” using conservative values to engage younger voters.

While Badenoch has yet to meet Mr. Trump, some Conservative Party members worry about the president-elect’s close relationship with Nigel Farage, leader of the Reform Party, potentially sidelining the Tories.

Separately, Suella Braverman’s husband, Rael, announced his decision to join Reform. Braverman confirmed she would not be following suit, saying, “My husband and I respect each other’s independence – he doesn’t tell me how to do my job, and I don’t tell him how to choose a political party.”