James Cleverly aimed directly at Kemi Badenoch's decision to abandon the net zero target, criticizing what he called the "new Lordedi people" in power, who seemed afraid to use green technology to protect the environment.

Senior Conservative MPs who lost to Badennock in last year's Conservative leadership competition said it was a wrong choice to think Britain had to choose between economic growth and protecting the environment. Badenoch believes the current net zero target will harm the economy.

The clever comment, delivered in a speech to the Conservative Environmental Networks campaign group Wednesday night, also targeted what he called “the negative left, skepticism of technology, and thought it would be better in front of the car.”

But it was his code that clearly rejected Badenoch's policy shift that would draw attention as he unexpectedly popped up a lot of content from the Conservative leadership contest in the final round of votes for MPs.

In March, Badennoch announced that her Conservative government would abandon the net zero targets implemented by Theresa May, saying they were “impossible” and would result in higher energy prices.

In his London speech, Clever would refute the idea, rather than name his party leader, condemning "negative rights", he said, his motto was: "All changes, even better, are a bad idea."

His speech will say that conservatives should embrace optimism and technological innovation on green issues: “The UK has a proud history of innovation. From Norfolk crop rotation systems, steam engines, steam engines, to the World Wide Web, we have been at the forefront of technological advancement.

“We can lead again, this time in the green technology sector… The UK is rapidly developing renewable energy, clean transport and carbon capture. But we have to push further, faster, smarter.

“We (Conservatives) must embrace a future where environmental policies encourage investment in new technologies, support the development of new industries and create jobs tomorrow.”

Cleverly adding: "The idea that we have to choose between a strong economy and protecting the environment is outdated. I believe these two goals are a future that goes hand in hand, driving innovation and opportunity. That's what I want for the future of Britain and the world."

The speech marks the most compelling call to date for the party’s senior MPs to stop chasing reforms on policy, while Nigel Farage’s party has taken a stronger approach to the net-zero party, including some of his MPs even questioning the basis of climate change science.

Badenoch defeated shadow attorney general Robert Jenrick in a vote for Conservatives after party MPs lowered their candidate list to two.

Cleverly the Shadow Internal Secretary and the last remaining candidate at the party’s centre, he was won, but was eliminated after some Tory speculated that his supporters were hard attempts to ensure he faced Jennik instead of Badennock in runoff.

Although Badenoch has faced limited public opponents of her MP since, many in private were deeply impressed by her tenure, during which the party fell in polls and had little policy development.