Kemi Badenoch Claps Back at Claims She’s ‘Too Preoccupied’ with Family to Lead Tories, Asserts Parental Duties Aren’t Gender-Specific

Badenoch Responds to Tory MP’s Comment on Her Family Commitments Interfering with Leadership Potential

Conservative MP Sir Christopher Chope has drawn criticism for his remarks implying that Kemi Badenoch is unfit to lead the opposition due to her significant commitment to her family life.

Political correspondent @Journoamrogers

Thursday, October 17, 2024, 23:

Kemi Badenoch responded to a Conservative MP's comment that her parental duties make her unfit to lead the party, arguing that "men also have responsibilities as parents."

On Tuesday, Sir Christopher Chope, the Conservative representative for Christchurch, expressed his support for Robert Jenrick in the leadership contest, citing Jenrick's "greater vigor and dedication to the campaign" as his reasons.

He continued, explaining: "Although I'm fond of Kemi, it's clear she's naturally focused on her own kids."

When questioned on balancing her roles as a mother and a party leader, Ms. Badenoch responded to GB News, saying, "Absolutely, it's possible. I adore my children. They are the most wonderful children on the planet. I aim to devote as much time to them as I can."

"I successfully managed the roles of business secretary, trade secretary, and equalities minister, all while maintaining a balance with my personal life."

When asked about her message for Sir Christopher, she remarked, "I would perhaps point out that parenting duties are not solely women's burden; men share this responsibility as well."

Ms. Badenoch, a mother of three, has children ranging in age from five to twelve. Similarly, Mr. Jenrick is a parent to three children, whose ages span from eight to thirteen.

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During his conversation with ITV News Meridian, Sir Christopher mentioned: "Robert's children are somewhat more grown up, and in my view, it’s crucial that the person spearheading the opposition is able to devote a tremendous amount of time and vigor."

He clarified his position regarding the leadership capabilities of mothers with young children in politics, explaining to the interviewer, "That's not what I'm suggesting. In fact, I was a strong supporter of Margaret Thatcher."

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"My worry stems from what I've heard from colleagues that Kemi devotes considerable time to her family—which is completely fine by me. However, the downside is that you can't dedicate all your time to your family while also serving effectively as the leader of the opposition."

"One might say that Margaret Thatcher's family endured hardships due to the time and energy she devoted to governing our nation. This is a completely valid observation."

Remarks made by Sir Christopher have triggered a wave of criticism from members of the Conservative party, Mr. Jenrick included.

In an interview with GB News during a leadership event tonight, the ex-immigration minister stated, "He was mistaken. He was certainly mistaken."

Kemi and I each have three kids. She's an excellent mother. I hope to consider myself a good father as well.

On the social media platform X, Shadow Health Secretary Victoria Atkins expressed her views, stating, "We're living in the 2020s, not the 1950s. Today's working parents have to balance their family duties, careers, and everyday life."

"The fact that one of our last two outstanding contenders is also a mother mirrors both the contemporary Conservative Party and today's society. Cheers to all the working mothers out there."

Nickie Aitken, who previously served as the MP for Cities of London and Westminster, shared, "I was seven months pregnant and also taking care of a toddler when I was first elected as a councillor in 2006.

"Throughout their early years, I took on roles as a council leader and a Member of Parliament. Like any working mother, whether in politics or not, I balanced my duties with help from my spouse. Chope's remarks simply reveal how outdated his views are."

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Sir Christopher's remarks echo those made during the 2016 Conservative leadership contest, where Andrea Leadsom, who was serving as an energy minister at the time, argued in an interview that her role as a mother gave her a greater investment in Britain's future, positioning her as a more suitable leader and prime minister than Theresa May.

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Ms. Leadsom subsequently issued an apology to her competitor and exited the contest, which resulted in Mrs. May facing no opposition. The current Baroness May then took charge of the party and served as the Prime Minister from 2016 to 2019.

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Ms. Badenoch and Mr. Jenrick are the remaining contenders in the race to succeed Rishi Sunak as the leader of the Conservative Party, following the elimination of centrist candidate James Cleverly from the competition last week.

Voting by members of the party will conclude at 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 31, with the announcement of the winner scheduled for Saturday, November 2.

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