'Don't lose hope!' Kemi Badenoch urges 'talented Britons not to give up on our country' in New Year message

She said: "We shouldn’t lose hope. Britain is not destined for decline. We are a great country full of talent, humour and strength. Things can change, but only if we have a plan for change.

"That's why my Conservative team are working on a policy programme to Get Britain Working again. A plan that will back business and fix our economy so we can fund our armed forces, police, schools, NHS and build something that we feel proud of."

Mrs Badenoch also set her sights on the upcoming local elections slated for May 7 as an opportunity for Britons to deliver their verdict on Sir Keir Starmer's Government.

She continued: "Don't let the politics of grievance tell you that we're destined to stay the same. Things can change, but you also need to vote for the change you want to see in 2026.

"I'm not giving up on our country. And I hope you won’t either. I’m wishing you all the very best for 2026. Happy New Year."

However, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage used his message to point out that Tory-run councils had worked with the Labour Government to postpone polls ahead of May 7.

More than 5.4 million Britons will no longer have the opportunity to vote for newly created mayors, with dozens of local authorities also being invited to delay elections for a second consecutive year.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mrs Badenoch used her New Year address to take a swipe at Labour's decision to hike taxes by £26billion in Rachel Reeves's second Budget.

"There is a lot to look forward to this year," the Leader of the Opposition said. "No, not Labour's tax rises. But a Winter Olympics, a World Cup, and for political geeks, local elections.

"Last year was difficult for many people, no growth, higher taxes and record unemployment with lots of people losing their jobs. Many in our country are finding it harder and harder to imagine life getting better."

The Tories have vowed to cut taxes and public spending if Mrs Badenoch wins the keys to No10 at the next general election.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister used his New Year message to reckon with the British people about the challenges facing the country.

"Things have been tough in Britain for a while," Sir Keir said. "For many, life is still harder than it should be.

"You long for a bit more money in your pockets, a meal out, a holiday. The chance to make a special family moment extra special."

Looking ahead to the New Year, the Prime Minister added: "In 2026, the choices we've made will mean more people will begin to feel positive change in your bills, your communities and your health service.

"But even more people will feel once again a sense of hope, a belief that things can and will get better, feel that the promise of renewal can become a reality, and my Government will make it that reality.

"More police on the streets by March. Energy bills down and the number of new health hubs up in April. More funding for local communities.

"And with that change, decline will be reversed. That opportunity for you and pride in your community can be restored. I share the frustration about the pace of change."

Mr Farage's New Year message included a number of swipes at both the Tories and Labour, including the arrival of Alaa Abd El-Fattah.

He said: "And this man was given citizenship by the Conservative Party and welcomed back into Britain by the Labour Party. Frankly, there is little to choose between the two."

Meanwhile, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey took aim at Mr Farage in his message, claiming he was "taking the fight" to the Reform UK leader.

He added: “And we can win again in 2026 – in Scotland, Wales and across England. To stop Trump’s America becoming Farage’s Britain. And change our country for the better."