Cllr Paul Galley is the Leader of the Conservative Group on Blackpool Council.

During the King’s Christmas speech, His Majesty reminded us of the enduring importance of the Commonwealth to the United Kingdom. It prompted reflection on how the Empire, once closely tied to the Conservative Party, shaped our identity and values. Historically, the Conservative Party proudly embraced its connection to the Empire, which helped define Britain’s global role.

From Chamberlain to Churchill, from the policy of Imperial Preference to youthful colonial adventures, many Conservative leaders forged their worldview – and Britain’s place within it – on the anvil of Empire. This history is not merely a legacy to reflect upon but a guide for how the party can navigate its future.

Today, in the aftermath of a disappointing general election result, the Conservative Party faces a critical juncture: it must define its identity in a rapidly changing world. The answer is clear. Under the leadership of Kemi Badenoch, whose Nigerian heritage and fluency in Yoruba symbolise a unique opportunity, the party can forge stronger ties with Nigeria and the wider Commonwealth.

Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, is a critical partner. With its 6.5 per cent share of global cocoa production and its status as the tenth-largest oil-rich country in the world, Nigeria possesses resources that could directly benefit British consumers. Strengthened trade links with Nigeria would lower costs for British families, from reduced energy bills to cheaper chocolate. Increased trade would generate higher incomes and lower costs for both nations, delivering economic growth and political stability for a generation.

Work is already underway to establish this new partnership. The Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP), signed in February of last year by Kemi Badenoch when she was UK Trade Secretary, represents a mutually beneficial deal. It provides support for economic diversification, market access for Nigerian products, infrastructure development, and increased investment opportunities – all aimed at boosting trade.

The Conservative Party can build on ETIP by promoting its benefits across the UK through a series of ongoing trade conferences. These events could highlight not just trade opportunities but also cultural connections, particularly through sport. For instance, 59 per cent of adult Nigerians who watch football regularly follow the Premier League. Cricket, too, is emerging as a growing sport in Nigeria. Britain’s cultural affinity with Nigeria, exemplified through shared passions like sport, offers a foundation for deeper ties. Having personally coached cricket in Zimbabwe in my early twenties, I have seen firsthand the power of sport to break down barriers and foster connections.

This model of partnership can also be expanded to East African nations such as Somaliland and Kenya, fostering regional stability and securing mutually beneficial trade deals. For example, the UK has replaced China as the largest source of foreign direct investment in Kenya and has established the UK-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The EPA allows duty-free and quota-free entry of most products into the UK market. Conservative-led investment conferences could further drive this agenda, ultimately leading to cheaper tea and coffee prices for British consumers.

A secondary benefit of closer collaboration with West and East African partners would be enhanced regional security. The Royal Navy, working alongside Kenyan and Nigerian naval forces, could help protect regional trade routes, reduce piracy in the Red Sea, and stabilise trade flows for all involved.

The Conservative Party’s leadership in fostering Commonwealth partnerships can also extend to strengthening ties with Conservative allies in other Commonwealth realms. Establishing strong party links across these regions – united by the Crown, shared history, and familiar experiences – can serve as a counterweight to forces that seek to divide the societies of the Anglosphere.

By focusing on partnerships that deliver tangible benefits – cheaper resources for British families and economic opportunities for Commonwealth countries – the Conservative Party can articulate a compelling vision for the future. This vision stands apart from anything offered by rival parties like Reform. Instead of fearing our differences, we should embrace them, just as Chamberlain and Churchill once did.

Once again, the Conservative Party can proudly define itself with three simple yet powerful words: Crown, Country, Commonwealth.

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