Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has come under fire for mocking Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves while she appeared upset during Prime Minister’s Questions. We want to know – do you think Badenoch’s comments to Reeves went too far?
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch is no stranger to controversy – and this time she’s come under fire for a personal attack directed at Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Sat next to Prime Minister Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) yesterday afternoon, Reeves appeared to be in tears during the session. Ms Reeves has today explained that she was “clearly upset” over what she described as a “personal matter” but has refused to go into further details, insisiting she is “totally” up for the job.
During PMQs, Starmer avoided a question over whether Ms Reeves would still be Chancellor at the next election, which came after the much-discussed U-turn over the proposed welfare reforms. The opposition to the reforms has seen Mr Starmer’s biggest revolt from his own MPs since he became Prime Minister.
In response to Ms Reeves’ emotional appearance during the session, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch issued some critical words, saying the Chancellor looked “absolutely miserable”. During her general criticism of Labour’s proposed welfare bill, Ms Badenoch added: “Labour MPs are going on the record saying the Chancellor is ‘toast'”.
Did Kemi Badenoch’s comments about Rachel Reeves go too far? Take our poll below and if you can’t it, click here
Ms Badenoch further questioned whether the Chancellor will remain in her post until the next election as well as accusing Keir Starmer of using her as a “human shield” to deflect criticism over the changes to welfare reforms. In response, ministers have seemingly rallied round Ms Reeves. One told the Mirror that “she has an incredibly tough job”, while another said that she “100%” has the confidence of her government colleagues.
Health secretary Wes Streeting told ITV: “Rachel, as her team have said today, has something going on personally, not professionally. It’s easy to forget but we are all humans, as politicians, and we have lives like everyone else”. Meanwhile, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described Ms Reeves as “a superbly skilled, talented, resilient politician”, and reiterated that the Prime Minister’s statement that she is “not going anywhere”.
Outside of the Labour party, SNP Westerminster leader Stephen Flynn said: “Like almost all MPs I don’t know why the Chancellor was upset in the chamber today, but I do hope she is okay and back to her duties this afternoon. Seeing another person in distress is always very difficult, and we are wishing her well.”
Today, we want to know – do you think Kemi Badenoch’s comments about Rachel Reeves went too far? Vote in our poll above and expand on your thoughts in the comments below.