Controversy Erupts as Kemi Badenoch Claims Some Civil Servants ‘Should Be in Prison’ Amidst Leadership Battle

Badenoch 'jesting' about assertion that 10% of civil servants 'deserve jail time'

A civil servants' union has responded with outrage to Kemi Badenoch's comments suggesting that the misconduct of some civil servants is severe enough to warrant incarceration, particularly those who have leaked confidential documents and sabotaged ministers.

Political correspondent @fayebrownSky

Tuesday, October 1, 2024, 8:

Kemi Badenoch is under fire for inciting a cultural conflict by stating that 5-10% of civil servants are "very bad" and "deserve to be incarcerated."

At a fringe event during the Conservative party conference on Tuesday, a contender for the Tory leadership alleged that certain civil servants have been disclosing confidential information and sabotaging ministers.

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Dave Penman, the general secretary of the FDA union which includes civil servants among its members, quickly criticized her comments. He stated that if there were any substantiating evidence for her claims, measures would have already been implemented.

An individual familiar with Ms. Badenoch informed Sky News that her remarks were made in jest.

Ms. Badenoch shared her thoughts at a Spectator magazine event, where she was questioned about her stance on reducing the civil servant workforce.

She mentioned that they "are just like anyone else, here to perform their work," adding that "about 10% of them are truly exceptional."

She noted, "Around 5 to 10% of them are extremely problematic, to the extent of deserving incarceration. They engage in leaking confidential information and actively work against their ministers by creating disturbances."

She continued, "In my area, it was often spearheaded by the union.

"However, the majority are genuinely motivated to perform well, and the competent individuals are often greatly irritated by those who do not meet standards."

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As of March 2024, the total number of full-time civil servants stood at 510,665, meaning 5% would approximate to 25,000 individuals.

Mr. Penman stated that Mr. Badenoch had leveled "grave allegations" and must retract them if she cannot provide proof.

He shared on X: "Being an ex-secretary of state, if Badenoch truly had solid proof supporting her grave claims about civil servants, measures would have been enforced. Otherwise, she would be at fault. Just the typical reckless cultural conflict as always. Same old routine."

In a subsequent message, he stated, "She should release proof supporting her assertions or else retract them."

Ms. Badenoch is competing for the leadership of the Conservative Party, along with Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, and Tom Tugendhat.

She prides herself on her direct communication style, arguing that voters prefer truthful leaders and that she doesn't shy away from controversial statements.

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She came under fire at the conference for previously describing the existing maternity pay as "too generous".

The opposition spokesperson for housing stated that her remarks were distorted and clarified that her focus was on the burden of overregulation on businesses, not on the amount of the benefit, which she affirmed was beneficial.

Ms. Badenoch enjoys strong support among Conservative Party members and is the leading candidate to replace Mr. Sunak following the party's loss in the July general election.

A unique survey conducted for Sky News indicates the race is still open, with Mr. Jenrick closely trailing the front-runner, and a viable route to success exists for every candidate.

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