Kemi Badenoch, the MP for North West Essex and a Tory leadership contender, has sparked fresh controversy with a condescending remark aimed at migrant care workers. At the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Badenoch suggested the government should focus on the next generation rather than current essential workers in the care sector.
Controversial Remarks
“We need to make sure we are thinking about the next generation, not just who’s going to wipe bottoms for us today,” Badenoch said. Her statement has caused outrage, especially considering the current shortage of 130,000 workers in the care sector, many of whom are migrants.
Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Badenoch has been criticised for her remarks. Recently, she faced backlash after calling statutory maternity pay “excessive,” saying it burdens businesses. Speaking on Times Radio, she stated: “Maternity pay varies, depending on who you work for – but statutory maternity pay is a function of tax, tax comes from people who are working. We’re taking from one group of people and giving to another. This, in my view, is excessive.”
Leadership Bid and Reactions
Badenoch’s controversial comments are seen as part of her pitch to gain attention during her leadership campaign. However, they have also drawn criticism for being out of touch with the reality faced by the care sector and working parents. Critics argue that these remarks do not reflect the challenges faced by businesses or the importance of fair wages and support for essential workers.
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