Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch found herself in hot water during a brutal BBC interview where she pointedly refused three times to confirm whether she pays UK taxes on all her income.
The cabinet minister's evasive performance on BBC Radio 5 Live has sparked immediate backlash, with critics labelling it a "car crash" moment that raises serious questions about transparency in government.
The Tense Exchange
Presenter Naga Munchetty pressed Badenoch directly, asking: "Do you pay tax on all your earnings in this country?" Rather than providing a straightforward answer, the Business Secretary deflected repeatedly.
"I pay all my taxes, all my UK taxes, and I'm very happy to do so," Badenoch stated, carefully avoiding confirmation that she declares all worldwide income to HM Revenue & Customs.
When Munchetty rephrased the question twice more, seeking clarity on whether this meant all income was declared in Britain, Badenoch maintained her ambiguous position, simply repeating her prepared line about paying "all my UK taxes."
Diane Abbott Defence Controversy
The tax questions emerged during a discussion about Badenoch's recent controversial comments regarding Diane Abbott. The Business Secretary had previously suggested the veteran MP shouldn't be considered for a return to the Labour Party frontbenches.
During the interview, Badenoch stood by her remarks, insisting she was merely expressing a "political opinion" about Abbott's suitability for high office. However, critics have accused her of crossing ethical lines by commenting on an opposition MP while serving as a minister.
Mounting Political Fallout
Opposition parties have seized on the interview, with Labour sources describing Badenoch's tax evasion as "deeply concerning" and calling for greater transparency from government ministers.
One political analyst noted: "When ministers refuse to give straight answers about their tax affairs, it undermines public trust in the entire political system. Voters have a right to know that those making tax laws are fully compliant themselves."
The controversy comes at an awkward time for the government, which has been pushing tougher measures against tax avoidance while several senior figures face questions about their own financial arrangements.
