Kemi Badenoch dismisses bullying allegations in Tory leadership race

Kemi Badenoch stands firm against accusations

In a bold move, Kemi Badenoch firmly denied bullying allegations during the initial face-off of the Tory leadership race. The accusations were brought to light by officials and subsequently published by The Guardian.

Challenging The Guardian's claims

During a private hustings in Cirencester, Gloucs, the former Business Secretary addressed the accusations head-on. Badenoch criticized The Guardian for its disapproval of her stance on race relations and gender ideology, stating that the paper was intimidated by her viewpoints.

Unity and determination at the forefront

James Cleverly, emphasizing the need for unity within the party, highlighted his experience in various roles, including Home Secretary and Foreign Secretary. He expressed his ability to bridge diverse viewpoints within the Conservative family.

Proposals and visions from other contenders

Other contenders, such as Robert Jenrick and Mel Stride, shared their visions for the party, with Jenrick proposing increased defense spending and potential cuts to the aid budget. Stride emphasized the importance of preparing the party for upcoming elections.

Notable figures like Priti Patel and Tom Tugendhat also participated in the event, setting the stage for a competitive leadership race within the Conservative Party.