Badenoch Criticized Over Maternity Pay Comments

Conservative leadership contender Kemi Badenoch has faced significant backlash after describing maternity pay as 'excessive' and calling for greater 'personal responsibility'. Her comments, made during a Times Radio interview, sparked criticism from various quarters including rival Conservative candidates, unions, and new mothers. Badenoch later attempted to clarify her remarks, stating she was referring to the broader regulatory burden on businesses, not questioning the value of maternity pay itself. Critics accused her of being 'out of touch' and exacerbating financial difficulties for families, noting that statutory maternity pay in the UK is already below the national minimum wage. The controversy has led to a heated debate within the Conservative Party, with some members suggesting her comments could harm the party's approval ratings.