Kemi Badenoch, the frontrunner to become the next Conservative party leader, has been accused of fostering an intimidating and toxic working culture during her tenure as business secretary, the Guardian has learned. At least three senior officials in her private office reportedly felt pushed out by what sources described as 'bullying and traumatising' behaviour.
Morale in the Department for Business and Trade was so low that a 'town hall' meeting was held on 13 December 2023 to address concerns about the working environment. Staff reportedly 'dreaded' meetings with Badenoch, with some individuals left humiliated and reduced to tears on several occasions. One insider claimed her treatment could be 'sustained and personal'.
Other ministers in the department are understood to have checked on staff wellbeing, and officials tried to ensure that colleagues allegedly 'targeted' by Badenoch were not left alone with her. The allegations were never formally investigated, but officials spoke privately to the department's permanent secretary, Gareth Davies, and the Cabinet Office's propriety and ethics team was informally informed.
A spokesperson for Badenoch denied the allegations, calling them 'completely false and a flagrant smear'. They confirmed she had to let go of some senior officials due to 'underperformance, complaints and bad behaviour', adding that she has 'high standards and expectations'. Badenoch, now shadow housing secretary, entered the Conservative leadership race on Sunday, pledging to 'speak the truth again'.
