Kemi Badenoch Sparks Controversy by Accusing Government of Budget Oversight
- Kemi Badenoch debuted as Tory party leader at PMQs on November 7, 2024.
- She faced criticism from Tory MPs and inaccurately claimed that the government omitted defense spending from the budget.
- The event highlighted ongoing doubts among party members about her leadership abilities.
On November 7, 2024, Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the Tory party, made her debut at Prime Minister's Questions (PMQs), where she engaged in a heated exchange with the opposition. Despite the anticipation from her supporters, many Tory MPs felt a sense of resignation regarding her leadership. As she took to the frontbench, Badenoch's efforts to criticize Labour leader Keir Starmer were met with skepticism, and she faced backlash from both opposing benches and her own party. Particularly contentious was her accusation that the government failed to address defense spending in its budget. However, this assertion was inaccurate, adding to the perception that she was struggling to connect with key issues. Badenoch's six questions at PMQs did little to bolster her position as Tory leader. Indeed, two-thirds of Tory MPs had never supported her in the first place, and this incident only solidified their doubts about her competence. As the session continued, Labour members were keen to capitalize on her perceived missteps.