Conservative Leader Kemi Badenoch Misstates Northern Ireland Brexit Vote, Factually Corrected

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch faced widespread criticism after incorrectly claiming that Northern Ireland voted to leave the European Union in the 2016 Brexit referendum, despite 56% of the region actually voting to remain. Her error was highlighted during an interview on BBC Northern Ireland's political show, where she insisted Northern Ireland voted Leave "the last time I checked," leading to public and political backlash. Critics accused Badenoch of either ignorance or dishonesty, noting the mistake was particularly embarrassing given her previous claim that she "never has gaffes." The misstatement has been seen as indicative of a broader lack of understanding and interest in Northern Ireland among some English politicians. This gaffe comes ahead of the Conservative Party's annual conference and has fueled further debate about her leadership and the party's approach to Brexit issues in Northern Ireland.