Conservative Leadership Contender Kemi Badenoch Criticized for Calling Maternity Pay 'Excessive'

Sep 29, 2024, 01:26 PM

Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leadership contender, has sparked controversy with her comments on statutory maternity pay. In an interview with Times Radio, Badenoch described the current level of maternity pay as 'excessive' and argued that it functions as a tax, taking from one group of people to give to another. She emphasized the need for more personal responsibility. Her remarks have drawn criticism from fellow Conservatives, including Robert Jenrick and James Cleverly, who disagree with her stance. Jenrick noted that the UK's maternity pay benefits are among the lowest in the OECD. Labour also criticized Badenoch, with party chair Ellie Reeves calling her a 'completely unserious' candidate.