Outrage over Tory hopeful's comments on maternity pay and personal responsibility

Kemi Badenoch's controversial remarks

Kemi Badenoch, a Tory leadership hopeful, has caused outrage by criticizing maternity pay as "excessive" and suggesting that mothers need to take "more personal responsibility."

Badenoch's stance on maternity pay

Badenoch expressed concerns that businesses are struggling due to the "burden of regulation," implying that generous maternity benefits are contributing to the problem. She argued that women were having "more babies" because of the existence of these benefits.

Backlash and criticism

Badenoch's comments were met with immediate backlash from campaigners and other contenders in the Tory leadership race, with one source describing her ideas as damaging and disgraceful. Campaigners emphasized that statutory maternity pay is not a burden to businesses as they recoup the costs.

Response and further controversial statements

Defending her position, Badenoch framed her leadership campaign as a call for the state to do less and criticized immigrants who do not embrace British culture. She also expressed views on cultures she deemed "less valid," including those that restrict women's rights.

Controversial views on culture and ECHR

Badenoch's defense of certain cultures being "less valid," along with her suggestion of quitting the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), has sparked further debate and scrutiny of her views.