A row over Kemi Badenoch maternity pay comments has overshadowed the first day of the Conservative Party conference. Badenoch suggested that maternity pay had “gone too far” while discussing business regulations, sparking widespread debate. The shadow housing secretary later clarified that she did not think maternity pay needed to be changed and insisted that her comments had been misinterpreted. Nonetheless, the issue has taken centre stage in the race to replace Rishi Sunak, with fellow contenders responding sharply.
Speaking to Times Radio, Badenoch emphasised her leadership pitch’s core theme of reducing state interference in business. When asked directly about the level of statutory maternity pay, Badenoch explained: “Statutory maternity pay is a function of tax, and tax comes from working people. We’re taking from one group and giving to another. In my view, this is excessive.” Badenoch’s broader argument centred on reducing business regulations, which she claimed were stifling entrepreneurship and causing closures across the UK. However, her statement that “maternity pay has gone too far” led to fierce reactions from her rivals, who were quick to seize on the remarks.
Robert Jenrick, also vying for leadership, was among the first to distance himself from Badenoch’s stance. Speaking at a Conservative Party fringe event, he said: “I do not agree with Kemi on this one. Our maternity pay is among the lowest in the OECD, and I think the Conservative Party should support parents and working mums.” Jenrick’s comments reflected concerns that Badenoch’s rhetoric could alienate working families, a key demographic for the Conservative Party.
Fellow candidate Tom Tugendhat also voiced his disagreement, emphasising the importance of maternity and paternity care. He reflected on his personal experience: “I missed out on paternity rights years ago, and I think many fathers would have loved to spend more time with their kids.” James Cleverly, another leadership contender, shifted the focus towards the cost of childcare, which he described as prohibitively expensive for many working mothers.
According to a recent OECD report on maternity pay, the UK ranks among the lowest in maternity benefits compared to other developed nations.
Despite the backlash, Badenoch’s supporters have rallied around her, defending her remarks as part of a broader attempt to reform business regulation rather than an attack on maternity benefits. Julia Lopez, shadow culture minister and an ally of Badenoch, described the row as a “confected maternity pile-on” and reiterated that Badenoch is a strong advocate for women’s rights. “Kemi has supported maternity pay and better childcare – but we still have challenges,” Lopez stated.
In response to the growing controversy, Badenoch took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify her stance, saying: “Contrary to what some have said, I clearly stated that the burden of regulation on businesses has gone too far… of course I believe in maternity pay!” She followed up with another post: “Of course maternity pay isn’t excessive…no mother of 3 kids thinks that.”
Badenoch’s campaign is known for her forthright style, and this latest episode demonstrates the delicate balance between speaking plainly and addressing sensitive policy issues. While her remarks have sparked heated debate within the Conservative Party, it is clear that the discussion around maternity pay and business regulation is far from over.
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