In a striking display of internal Conservative Party discord, Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch has openly defied Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by refusing to condemn controversial remarks made by former deputy chairman Lee Anderson about migration policy.
Cabinet Minister Breaks Ranks
Ms Badenoch, widely seen as a potential future Tory leader, pointedly declined to distance herself from Mr Anderson's assertion that the government should ignore the European Court of Human Rights and "put planes in the air now" to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The Business Secretary's stance represents a significant challenge to Mr Sunak's authority, coming just days after he sacked Mr Anderson from his deputy chairman role for publicly criticising the government's handling of small boat crossings.
Growing Tory Rebellion Over Migration
The public rift exposes the deepening divisions within Conservative ranks over immigration policy ahead of crucial local elections. Ms Badenoch told Times Radio she wouldn't "slap down" her colleague, stating: "Lee is a friend, he is a great champion for the people he represents."
Her comments suggest growing impatience among senior Tories with the government's approach to stopping small boat crossings, despite the Prime Minister making it one of his five key pledges to voters.
Legal Challenges Continue to Frustrate Rwanda Plan
The government's flagship Rwanda asylum policy remains grounded by legal challenges, with the next court hearing scheduled for October. This delay has frustrated right-wing Conservatives who want immediate action to tackle Channel crossings.
Mr Anderson had vehemently argued that Britain should follow the lead of other European nations by taking a harder line on migration, telling The Sun: "If we need to pull out of the ECHR then let's do it. The Italian and Greek governments are now turning boats away, they've had enough."
Leadership Ambitions on Display
Political analysts suggest Ms Badenoch's positioning reflects her courting of the Tory right wing as she positions herself for a potential future leadership contest. Her refusal to toe the government line on this sensitive issue demonstrates her independence and appeal to the party's grassroots.
The public disagreement comes at an awkward time for Mr Sunak, who is attempting to present a united front ahead of challenging local elections that could determine his political future.
With the Conservative Party trailing significantly in opinion polls, this latest internal rift over one of the government's flagship policies threatens to further undermine public confidence in the Prime Minister's ability to maintain party discipline and deliver on key promises.
