Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has robustly defended her political attack on Chancellor Rachel Reeves, in which she dismissed the Labour minister's complaints about 'mansplaining and misogyny'. The fiery exchange took place during Badenoch's response to Wednesday's Budget in the House of Commons.
Fiery Commons Exchange
Mrs Badenoch used her platform at the despatch box to reference a recent interview given by Ms Reeves. In that interview, the Chancellor, who is the first woman to hold the role, expressed her frustration with people 'mansplaining' the job of Chancellor to her.
In a direct and personal rebuttal, Mrs Badenoch criticised what she termed 'puff pieces' that showed 'a woman wallowing in self-pity, whining about mansplaining and misogyny'. She then addressed Ms Reeves directly, stating: 'Let me explain to the Chancellor, woman to woman. People out there aren't complaining because she's female, they're complaining because she is utterly incompetent.'
No Regrets Over Language
The political drama continued later in the session. When Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves were seen conversing on the front bench, Mrs Badenoch interjected to ask, 'Is he mansplaining to you, by the way? Do you need help?'
Questioned by ITV Anglia on whether she regretted her choice of language, Mrs Badenoch was unequivocal. 'Not in the least,' she stated. She accused Ms Reeves of delivering 'the most political Budget ever' and argued that 'she likes to dish it but she can't take it.'
Mrs Badenoch expressed her view that it was 'extraordinary that she was complaining about mansplaining and misogyny.' She further accused the Labour party of enjoying 'rough-and-tumble politics' only when it suited them.
Historical Precedent Cited
In her defence, the Tory leader drew parallels with previous female leaders from other parties. 'I don't see why Labour MPs should be asking for a free pass for the Chancellor,' she argued. 'They didn't give Theresa May a free pass, they didn't give Margaret Thatcher a free pass, they didn't give Liz Truss a free pass.'
This remark positions the current political skirmish within a broader historical context of how women in high office are treated across the political spectrum, suggesting that Ms Reeves should expect the same level of scrutiny as her predecessors.
