Badenoch Defends "Spineless" Rachel Reeves Budget Attack, Slams Labour Policies & Farage's NATO Stance

Badenoch Defends "Spineless" Budget Attack on Rachel Reeves

In a robust defense of her strong parliamentary language, Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has justified her description of Chancellor Rachel Reeves as "spineless, shameless and completely aimless" during a recent Budget debate. The fiery exchange in the House of Commons saw Badenoch mock Reeves for "wallowing in self-pity" and accusing her of "whining about mansplaining" and misogyny.

Justifying the "Personal" Attack

Speaking on BBC Political Thinking with Nick Robinson, Badenoch refuted claims of engaging in personal abuse. Instead, she asserted that her comments channelled the anger of farmers and business owners who feel adversely affected by current Labour policies. This contentious debate followed Reeves' unveiling of a Budget aiming to raise £26 billion through tax increases, which also included the controversial scrapping of the two-child benefit cap and an extended freeze on tax thresholds, expected to pull millions more into higher tax brackets.

Badenoch sharply criticised the financial package, dubbing it "a Budget for Benefits Street, paid for by working people" and accusing Reeves of betraying promises not to hike taxes. She went as far as to demand the Chancellor's resignation. “God help us! She is spineless, shameless and completely aimless,” Badenoch declared to MPs, adding that Reeves' speech was an "exercise in self-delusion" that lacked humility or apology.

Challenging Identity Politics in the Budget

Further escalating her critique, Badenoch challenged Reeves' references to identity, particularly her alleged "hoo-ha about being the first woman to present a Budget." Badenoch argued that "bringing in your identity cheapens achievement" and that a poor Budget is detrimental for all, irrespective of gender.

Reactions and Broader Political Accusations

Her comments drew a mixed reaction, with former Lib Dem leader Tim Farron condemning the "barrage of personal abuse." However, Badenoch dismissed such criticisms, including accusations of "playground abuse," stating, "You can't please everybody... I've taken on a tough job and I've got to do it the way anybody else has to. I don't complain about it, I don't say it's misogyny or racism or anything like that."

Badenoch also claimed she endures "a barrage of abuse every single week at Prime Minister's Questions" from Sir Keir Starmer. Beyond the Budget row, Badenoch turned her attention to Reform UK, accusing the party of being "pro-Putin" and branding leader Nigel Farage's stance on NATO as "bad for national security." She specifically referenced Farage's past comments blaming NATO and the West for the war in Ukraine. Additionally, Badenoch defended her Tory Party chairman, Kevin Hollinrake, over a social media incident involving a Reform emblem and a Nazi Golden Party Badge image, insisting it was "teasing, not calling them Nazis."