Kemi Badenoch, a contender for the Conservative Party leadership, has promised that her first action as prime minister would be to reinstate tax breaks for private schools. She criticised Labour’s plan to impose VAT on private education, calling it “cruel,” as she appealed to Tory members at a crucial point in her campaign to replace Rishi Sunak.
Pushing for Tax Breaks and Defending Private Schools
Badenoch condemned Labour’s proposal to remove VAT tax breaks for private schools, labeling it as a “tax on education” and “aspiration.” She added, “Most people who send their children to private schools save a lot and work hard—they aren’t necessarily wealthy.” She described the plan as unfair and harsh on families seeking quality education for their children.
Brexit Criticism and the Need for a New Plan
Although she strongly supported Brexit, Badenoch admitted that much of the UK’s departure from the EU has not gone as planned. “Some of Brexit has been successful, but a lot of it hasn’t,” she said. According to Badenoch, the failure stems from the UK’s reluctance to take advantage of new opportunities outside the EU.
She stressed that Brexit didn’t start with a clear plan, which has hindered its success. “There’s no point in leaving the European Union if we continue doing what the EU does,” she added. However, she urged the party to “stop blaming Brexit for all our problems” and focus on fixing them instead.
Standing Firm Against Nigel Farage and Internal Criticisms
Badenoch also took a firm stance against welcoming Reform Party leader Nigel Farage into the Conservative Party, stating, “We are a broad church, but if someone wants to burn your church down, you don’t let them in.” She emphasised that Farage wouldn’t be welcome in the party.
Additionally, she responded to criticism that she’s too preoccupied with her children to lead the party. Badenoch rejected this claim, asserting that parental responsibilities are not limited to women. She also mentioned that her children aren’t allowed to use social media, describing it as “for adults.”
Jenrick’s Counterpoints in the Leadership Race
In contrast, Robert Jenrick, her competitor, shared his vision during a televised debate. He vowed to cap migration numbers at “tens of thousands or lower” and defended his controversial plans to leave the European Convention on Human Rights. Jenrick criticised the government’s handling of the Chagos Islands, claiming it was driven by political correctness, and took a subtle jab at Liz Truss, saying she lacked the “great qualities” of previous Tory prime ministers.
While Badenoch focused on principles during the debate, Jenrick’s team stressed that “politicians should have policies” after her emphasis on principles over policy.
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