Kemi Badenoch, a contender for the Tory leadership, has made a bold promise that her first act as prime minister would be to reinstate tax breaks for private schools. In a bid to win over Conservative members and replace Rishi Sunak, she criticized Labour’s plan to impose VAT, calling it “cruel” and a tax on education and aspiration.
During a televised debate with her opponent Robert Jenrick on GB News, Badenoch emphasized her commitment to fighting for Conservative values when necessary, despite not seeking out conflicts. She also acknowledged that Brexit has had its shortcomings, attributing some of the lack of success to a lack of planning and failure to capitalize on opportunities.
Badenoch’s views on Nigel Farage and social media use by children were also highlighted during the debate. She firmly stated that individuals who threaten to harm the party’s values are not welcome, and she restricts her children from using social media on their devices as she believes it is meant for adults.
On the other hand, Jenrick expressed his stance on immigration, proposing a cap in the “tens of thousands or lower” if he were in power. He defended his plans to exit the European Convention on Human Rights and criticized the relinquishing of sovereignty over the Chagos Islands for political reasons. Furthermore, he compared the qualities of past Tory prime ministers, excluding Liz Truss from the list of those with “great qualities.”
Following the debate, Jenrick’s team emphasized the importance of having concrete policies, contrasting Badenoch’s emphasis on principles. This highlights a key difference in their approaches to leadership and governance, with Badenoch prioritizing overarching values and Jenrick focusing on specific policy proposals. Ultimately, the Tory leadership race continues to unfold with each candidate presenting their vision for the party’s future and the country’s direction.
