Brace for Impact: Kemi Badenoch’s Unapologetic Crusade for Tory Leadership Promises a Stormy Tenure

Should Kemi Badenoch ascend to the position of Tory leader, brace for a turbulent tenure rather than gentle exchanges. Known for her aggressive and direct style, Badenoch staunchly opposes 'woke' ideologies and does not shy away from fierce encounters, challenging both her adversaries and fellow Conservatives alike.

Senior political reporter @joncraig

Monday, July 29, 2024, 12:

There are assertions that Kemi Badenoch is so contentious, she could spark an argument in a deserted room.

She's an aggressive, uncompromising critic of progressive ideologies, sparing no one in her critiques – not opposition members nor her fellow Conservatives.

In her piece for The Times announcing her candidacy, Ms. Badenoch stated, "Should I be granted the opportunity to lead, we will once again embrace honesty."

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Claiming to speak the truth once more? This suggests that under Rishi Sunak’s leadership, the Conservatives may not have been entirely truthful.

Indeed, there is evidence indicating that this is precisely her claim.

During the initial shadow cabinet gathering following the Conservative Party's loss at the polls, she criticized Mr. Sunak for his decision to rush to elections on July 4th, as revealed by a leaked account of her remarks.

It was reported that she stated the D-day disaster led to the loss of Tory MP positions. Additionally, she criticized Suella Braverman for her negative remarks about the Tories throughout the campaign.

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Poll indicates Kemi Badenoch has twice as much backing as Suella Braverman among members for the next Conservative leader position.

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Indeed, it seems there is a significant rift between the two champions of Brexit.

Shortly after Ms. Badenoch's article was published in The Times, Ms. Braverman, in a move that many might have anticipated, conceded defeat without even beginning the contest.

"In an article for The Daily Telegraph, she stated, 'I have been labeled as insane, harmful, and malevolent by my colleagues, therefore I will not seek the leadership position,' despite asserting that she had secured the necessary 10 nominations."

It is now impossible to verify that claim. However, even if it were true, it is highly unlikely that she would have advanced past the initial MP voting stage.

Discover further details on Sky News: The Chancellor is set to announce measures aimed at reducing costs, claiming that the Tories have concealed the true state of finances. It is anticipated that public sector employees will receive pay increases that exceed inflation. Meanwhile, the implementation of a debated free-speech law has been postponed due to concerns regarding anti-semitism.

Dispute involving David Tennant

It must be noted that Ms. Badenoch has not been immune to criticism, often facing harsh remarks from her detractors. Additionally, her confrontations extend beyond political adversaries to include disputes with her own peers.

Last month, she was notably involved in a public disagreement with David Tennant, the former star of Doctor Who.

In her defense, he initiated the conflict. However, she responded with equal intensity.

At the British LGBT awards, he expressed: "We need a change where Kemi Badenoch is no longer a factor – I don't wish her harm, I simply wish she would remain silent."

She responded on X: "I refuse to be silenced. A wealthy, liberal, white male star is so clouded by his beliefs that he fails to recognize how it looks to call for the cessation of the only black woman in government."

Be cautious when criticizing Kemi!

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Heated public dispute with ex-Post Office leader

At the peak of the Post Office Horizon controversy earlier this year, the business secretary engaged in a heated public dispute with former Post Office leader Henry Staunton.

Following his dismissal, Mr. Staunton informed The Sunday Times that he had been instructed to delay funding for compensations related to the Horizon scandal until after the general election.

He also informed the publication that Ms. Badenoch said to him "someone has to be held accountable" for the Horizon scandal, and he learned about his dismissal after receiving a call from Sky News.

She responded on social media, strongly criticizing him in a detailed post on X for "grossly distorting our discussion and the grounds for his termination."

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She stated, "Henry Staunton's ineffective efforts in securing justice for postmasters were the primary reasons for my decision to request his resignation due to significant worries about his behavior."

"His decision to approach the press with fabricated stories and numerous inaccuracies validates that I made the right choice."

Subsequently, during a statement in the Commons, she informed members of parliament that Mr. Staunton was under investigation for allegations of bullying and charged him with making a "clear attempt at retaliation" after his termination.

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Intense confrontations with rival political groups

In her previous capacity as the minister for women and equalities, Ms. Badenoch frequently found herself at the center of intense confrontations with her political adversaries.

During a particularly heated encounter, she faced criticism from Caroline Nokes, who was at the time leading the equalities committee and has since become, somewhat forebodingly for Ms Badenoch, a deputy speaker of the Commons.

During an intense argument at a session of Ms. Nokes' panel, Mr. Badenoch charged left-wing Labour MP Kate Osborne with dishonesty in a dispute concerning transgender matters.

Earlier in the previous year, she had a confrontation in the Commons regarding racial issues with Labour MP Dawn Butler, and on matters of gay rights with Sir Chris Bryant, who is now a Labour minister.

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'Who do you believe you are talking to?'

She doesn't shy away from confronting those in power. Last year, she provoked the ire of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle by choosing to release a written statement about the repeal of EU legislation following Brexit, instead of delivering a comprehensive verbal statement to MPs in the Commons.

Following her apology to the speaker for the unfortunate timing of the announcement, which she noted did not meet his expectations, Sir Lindsay loudly retorted, "Who do you think you are speaking to?"

She has consistently demonstrated her willingness to challenge top leaders in both government and industry, regardless of the potential for conflict.

Should Ms. Badenoch ascend to the leadership of the Conservative Party, anticipate a departure from cordiality and courtesy. Should her victory occur on November 2, it would be wise for her fellow Conservative MPs to prepare for turbulence.

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