Portrait of Kemi Badenoch
Politician · person
Wikipedia (opens in new tab)

Kemi Badenoch on Suella Braverman

Issued apology for attack (strong)

TL;DR

Kemi Badenoch apologised for a controversial Conservative Party statement that attacked Suella Braverman following her defection to Reform UK.

Key Points

  • Kemi Badenoch admitted a Conservative Party statement referencing Suella Braverman's mental health after her defection should not have been issued.

  • She stated that she is the only person as a party leader who apologises for such incidents, following the controversy.

  • Reform UK demanded a public apology from Badenoch to Braverman by Friday at 4pm or face potential legal proceedings over the claim.

Summary

Kemi Badenoch's position regarding Suella Braverman became a key point of focus after Braverman defected from the Conservative Party to join Reform UK. The main controversy involved a statement issued by the Conservative Party that referenced the former Home Secretary's mental health following the move. Badenoch later admitted that this statement should never have been sent out and subsequently issued an apology regarding the communication. Reform UK demanded a full public apology from Badenoch and the party, even threatening legal action, stating the claim about mental health was untrue and published with malice.

This incident positioned Badenoch as the figure responsible for retracting the statement and offering the apology, contrasting her approach with the divisiveness associated with Braverman and others who left for Reform. Some commentators suggested that Braverman’s departure, alongside others, could offer Badenoch, as a party leader, greater freedom to steer the Conservatives back towards a political mainstream focused on opportunity. Badenoch's direct action of apologising contrasted with the general situation following the defections.

Key Quotes

"Yes, that has come out from me. That should never have gone out. It has been retracted. And I've also spoken to the person who sent it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kemi Badenoch's direct comments focused primarily on an apology she issued after a Conservative Party statement about Suella Braverman's mental health was sent out following her move to Reform UK. She admitted the statement should never have been published.

Yes, Kemi Badenoch apologised for the Conservative Party statement which referenced Suella Braverman's mental health after she left the party. Reform UK subsequently demanded a full, unreserved public apology from her.

The controversy arose when a Tory statement, later retracted, alleged that the party had looked after Suella Braverman's mental health, suggesting she was unhappy before defecting. Kemi Badenoch apologised for this statement but faced pressure for a more formal apology.