Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, has refused to back down from her sharp criticism of Chancellor Rachel Reeves, insisting her words reflect widespread public outrage rather than personal insults.
Echoing Voter Anger
Badenoch dismissed claims of bullying, saying she was simply articulating the frustrations of farmers and entrepreneurs hit hard by the new Budget. The financial plan raises £26 billion via tax increases, including ending the two-child benefit limit and keeping tax thresholds frozen — pulling more workers into higher bands.
She dubbed it a “handout-focused package funded by everyday earners” and demanded Reeves step down for breaking election pledges on taxes.
Gender Debate Front and Center
Badenoch also hit out at Reeves for playing up her role as the UK’s first woman Chancellor, calling it a tactic that undermines real accomplishments.
Speaking directly to her rival, Badenoch said: “From one woman to another, the backlash isn’t about your gender it’s about your poor performance. Equality means facing the same scrutiny as men.”
The OBR Leak and Fiery Exchange
She admitted thinking about toning down her remarks after an Office for Budget Responsibility leak exposed Budget details early, leaving Reeves rattled. But after Reeves unleashed a strong rebuttal against the Tories, Badenoch decided to go full throttle: “She initiated the fight.”
Rejecting “childish taunt” accusations, Badenoch noted she faces constant barbs from PM Sir Keir Starmer in weekly sessions.
Taking on Farage and Reform UK
Shifting focus, Badenoch blasted Reform UK’s Nigel Farage as sympathetic to Putin and dangerous on NATO issues. She slammed his view that alliance expansion sparked Russia’s Ukraine war as “totally misguided.”
She backed party chair Kevin Hollinrake’s social media jab likening a Reform symbol to a Nazi badge, framing it as light-hearted ribbing, not a serious charge.
