Suella Braverman has hit back at Kemi Badenoch after reports that the latter accused her of having a 'very public breakdown' during a shadow cabinet meeting. The exchange highlights deepening divisions within the Conservative Party as it prepares for a leadership contest following its heavy election defeat.
Badenoch reportedly told shadow cabinet colleagues that Rishi Sunak's decision to call an early election without consulting them was 'disastrous' and 'bordering on unconstitutional'. She also criticised Braverman's public behaviour. In response, Braverman accused Badenoch and the rest of the cabinet of 'nodding along' as Sunak led the party to disaster, and demanded to know if Badenoch indeed thinks she is having a breakdown.
A new poll by the Party Members Project shows Badenoch leading among grassroots members with 31% support, while Braverman trails. Half of those surveyed favour a merger with Nigel Farage's Reform UK. Other potential candidates, including James Cleverly and Robert Jenrick, have minimal support.
At a meeting of the 1922 Committee, Sunak apologised to MPs, with one describing him as 'very sorrowful'. No timetable has been set for his departure as caretaker leader. Bob Blackman, newly elected chair of the committee, indicated a preference for a longer leadership contest to allow for reflection.
