An MP from the Conservative party, Sir Christopher Chope, has faced backlash for saying he would not vote for Kemi Badenoch to be the party leader because she is “preoccupied with her own children.” Chope argued that being the leader of the opposition while also spending time with one’s family was impractical. Instead, he said he would be voting for Robert Jenrick, the opponent in the leadership race, because his children are a bit older.
Conservative MP Victoria Atkins criticised Chope’s statement, saying that all working parents juggle family, career, and life. She went on to acknowledge that having a working mother, like Badenoch, as a candidate does show how the party is modern and reflective of modern life. Jenrick supported Victoria’s statement and claimed that both he and Badenoch, who are raising three children each, are good parents and would balance their responsibilities without sacrificing either of them.
Badenoch’s campaign team refused to comment on the remarks made by Chope. The Conservative party members are currently picking their leader to announce on November 2nd. Badenoch and Jenrick are the only candidates in the run for the position. Andrea Leadsom apologised to Theresa May in the 2016 contest after saying that being a mother made her a better candidate.
Michael Gove, the former cabinet minister, who is also the new editor of The Spectator magazine, shared his thoughts on the two candidates. Jenrick’s strengths are his diligence, rigour and hunger, according to Gove. The former cabinet minister also noted that one of Jenrick’s weaknesses was that he seemed like a typical Tory politician. When asked about Badenoch, Gove said that she was brave and had courage as a hallmark, but he would not say he was backing either candidate as an endorsement from him might be counterproductive due to his unpopularity with some in the party
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