Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has been exposed as a vindictive figure who can dish out criticism but cannot take it, according to an opinion piece by Giles Sheldrick. The article argues that Phillipson, despite her Oxford education, carries a chip on her shoulder typical of the political Left.
This became evident when Phillipson took to social media to complain after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch delivered a harsh critique. The exchange highlighted what the author calls the "vicious ideological hatred" fueling the Labour government.
Labour's Ideological War on Private Schools
The author accuses Labour of being driven by "rage, jealousy, and unadulterated abomination" for those who achieve independence without state support. A key example is the decision to impose a 20% VAT on private school fees, which took effect in January 2025 halfway through the school year.
According to the article, this "dogma-driven decision" was designed to appeal to the "foaming-mouthed Left" who abhor aspiration. The policy has forced 30,000 children to leave private schools, with many schools closing as a result.
Impact on State Schools and Teacher Numbers
The author argues that the policy backfired: 30,000 state school places that were previously funded by private school parents' taxes but not claimed are now needed, while teacher numbers have fallen. "It's hardly the huge victory she claims it to be," the article states.
Phillipson is described as "malicious, malevolent, venomous, cruel, vindictive and vengeful," representing a Labour cabal of "jealous socialists" determined to "level down."
Phillipson's Defense and Teacher Poll
In a post on X, Phillipson said: "The constant chatter about private schools reminds me exactly why I do this job. We're raising more money than expected, school offer days passed smoothly and we're investing in state schools."
However, the article notes that 4,000 members of the National Education Union were asked about Labour's performance on education: zero chose "very well," while 37% said "very badly" and 35% "fairly badly."
Badenoch's Home Truths
Kemi Badenoch responded to Phillipson, saying: "'I grew up on a council estate' is not an excuse for failure. You are sacrificing the future of generations of kids on the altar of your class envy - reversing even Labour's academy reforms. 0% of teachers think you're doing a great job. I'm not here to give you a pat on the back. I speak for those people whose lives you're destroying and I'll NEVER stop speaking up for them."
The article concludes that after two years under Labour, unemployment has skyrocketed, teacher numbers have been slashed, and excellent schools have been run out of business.
