Defecting Tories had a ‘tantrum dressed up as politics’, says Badenoch
Badenoch sacks Jenrick for ‘secret plot to defect’ to Reform
Kemi Badenoch criticised former Conservative colleagues who defected to Reform UK, labelling their actions as a "tantrum dressed up as politics" stemming from failed leadership ambitions.
Speaking days after Suella Braverman's defection, Badenoch suggested former ministers like Robert Jenrick and Nadhim Zahawi jumped ship after failing to secure positions or peerages.
The Tory leader denounced the "psychodrama" in British politics, asserting that the Conservative Party is moving in a "new direction" and only wants true Conservatives.
Badenoch stated she was elected to "renew and rebuild" the party, not to revert to 1990s policies or dismantle it for Nigel Farage.
She questioned Reform UK's ability to govern, stating she could assemble a larger shadow cabinet and that the Conservatives are focused on the future, not past battles.